Bridgit Mendler is not only a former actress and singer, but she’s also making waves in academia. However, there seems to be some confusion about the 31-year-old’s qualifications, prompting Bridgit to set the record straight on her academic journey. In a candid note shared on her X/Twitter account, she addressed the misunderstanding surrounding her PhD status and provided insight into her educational pursuits.
“Hey people. It came to my attention that something on my LinkedIn profile is causing confusion that I want to clarify: I am 2 months away from a JD, and I don’t already have a PhD,” Bridgit shared, emphasizing her proximity to obtaining a Juris Doctor degree, which prepares individuals for a career in law.
She went on to explain the origins of the confusion, revealing that she started working towards a PhD in 2020 concurrently with her law degree. However, life’s twists and turns led her to move to California last summer for family reasons, necessitating a temporary pause in her PhD pursuits. Apologizing for not updating her LinkedIn page sooner, Bridgit expressed her commitment to the PhD, acknowledging that its completion is contingent on administrative decisions and the guidance of her principal investigator.
“I’ll still fight for it, but how it gets completed is up to the administration and my principal investigator and what they think is appropriate,” she noted, displaying resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Bridgit’s journey reflects the delicate balance many individuals face when juggling multiple commitments, particularly as parents. She shared valuable insights into the art of decision-making, emphasizing the importance of prioritization and discernment. Quoting her parents, she said, “do everything, it’s a blast,” highlighting her enthusiasm for pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges. However, she also acknowledged the significance of knowing when to say no or delay certain pursuits, recognizing it as a skill that requires honing.
“Ultimately, any parent or person trying to juggle hard things has experienced that sometimes you have to make hard choices,” Bridgit reflected on the challenges of balancing personal and professional pursuits.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Bridgit has achieved milestones in her personal life. She recently became a mom through adoption with her husband, Griffin Cleverly. Beyond her growing family, Bridgit has ventured into the realm of space startups, showcasing her versatility and determination.
As she navigates this intricate balance of family, academia, and entrepreneurship, Bridgit expressed a desire for recommendations on how best to convey her circumstances regarding the PhD on LinkedIn. It’s a testament to her openness and willingness to connect with her audience, inviting them to be a part of her journey.
Bridgit’s academic journey has been nothing short of impressive, from earning a degree in anthropology at USC to enrolling in a graduate program at MIT and later pursuing a class at Harvard Law School. As Bridgit Mendler continues to shape her narrative, her transparency about the challenges and triumphs of her educational pursuits resonates with many, offering a glimpse into the complexities of a multifaceted and ambitious life.
