Pearls on Positionality and Reflexivity: From a Humbled PhD Student

The purpose of this essay is to share the positionality and reflective experiences of a PhD student and to highlight lessons learned through the process. Continued attention to positionality and active reflection, makes for deep scrutiny in graduate education, and to the development of a future qualitative researcher. The research tools of positionality and reflexivity are discussed and how a pivotal experience triggered the process of actively engaging in reflexivity. Key lessons learned, and methods of active reflection are discussed with the intention of encouraging graduate students, as well as established researchers, to recognize the importance of positionality and active reflection in the entire research process.