Qualitative research is a methodology that was like the elephant in the room for me, I was aware of it, I could get by citing it, but beyond that, I did not really want to touch it. This course has made me much more comfortable approaching qualitative research, especially in my ability to analyze research studies to draw my own conclusions. The course this past semester has allowed me to develop a much deeper understanding of qualitative research, how it is used, what its purposes are, and what information it is trying to build upon. While I still don’t feel fully confident in conducting my own study, I know that it will take practice and opportunities to learn from my mistakes as I grow my skills. I do not know if I am fully ready to become a strictly qualitative researcher, but I am starting to develop some ideas for mixed-methods studies that can truly help me discover the how and why of the phenomena I am researching. I look forward to continuing my course work with this new appreciation of qualitative research and building stronger theoretical foundations as I write my papers and conduct my studies.