We are new academics involved in the process of becoming researchers. We believe that gathering, reflecting, sharing and producing knowledge are important parts of constructing a strong identity as a researcher that we produce and own rather than being produced by the prevailing academic discourse. We decenter research as a product and bring into focus how as researchers we understand our selves, our work, and our processes. We interweave our stories with those of our research participants who are also new to the professoriate. Our experiences transcend our academic world and we believe that the narratives we discuss may help inform others.