doctorates and dissertations
I'm getting close. Recently my Dad and I went back and forth a couple dozen times in drafting together a document that we ended up calling his dissertation. I argue that it's probably only a chapter of it, because he claims he wants to write two more. Throw in an introduction and a conclusion chapter and *poof* there you have it - dissertation!
I wanted to graduate in August. I have a stigma in my head associated with those who don't quite "make it out" in 5 years. Apparently this is something I have to get over. I should just look at it with the thought that my thesis is just getting longer. Yeah, that's it. On a positive note, my committee says that I'm on track to graduate. Whenever I want. How about tomorrow Committee? Or the day after? No? That's not how it works? How's that reaction going you ask? Yeah, I'm getting to it. Can I tell you the results tomorrow?
The thing is, that I think that I'll miss it. GASP! Really?
Yes, really. I get to wear jeans and a T-shirt to work every day. I really do get to come in whenever I want. I can run errands and not be troubled about it. I guess for a while (2 or 3 years) I didn't really feel like those were choices I got to make, but now that the entire culture of the lab has changed - I feel that I never took advantage of the situation and did a really good job for myself. I maximized my graduate school experience. I learned stuff. I have an incredible work ethic. I'm darn smart and a good problem solver. I'm really good as part of a team. I often have good advice for my coworkers who ask for it. I had most of those things coming into this - but not the confidence to just go ahead and say it. I sometimes wish that I was the kind of person who would take advantage of that kind of flexibility, but even if I had known about it, I don't think I would have. Work is work. Graduate school salary or not.
So, here's to 5 + years Michigan. I hoping that when the world ends (in October or 2012) that by then I'll be a doctor! (No, not that kind, the other kind).
I wanted to graduate in August. I have a stigma in my head associated with those who don't quite "make it out" in 5 years. Apparently this is something I have to get over. I should just look at it with the thought that my thesis is just getting longer. Yeah, that's it. On a positive note, my committee says that I'm on track to graduate. Whenever I want. How about tomorrow Committee? Or the day after? No? That's not how it works? How's that reaction going you ask? Yeah, I'm getting to it. Can I tell you the results tomorrow?
The thing is, that I think that I'll miss it. GASP! Really?
Yes, really. I get to wear jeans and a T-shirt to work every day. I really do get to come in whenever I want. I can run errands and not be troubled about it. I guess for a while (2 or 3 years) I didn't really feel like those were choices I got to make, but now that the entire culture of the lab has changed - I feel that I never took advantage of the situation and did a really good job for myself. I maximized my graduate school experience. I learned stuff. I have an incredible work ethic. I'm darn smart and a good problem solver. I'm really good as part of a team. I often have good advice for my coworkers who ask for it. I had most of those things coming into this - but not the confidence to just go ahead and say it. I sometimes wish that I was the kind of person who would take advantage of that kind of flexibility, but even if I had known about it, I don't think I would have. Work is work. Graduate school salary or not.
So, here's to 5 + years Michigan. I hoping that when the world ends (in October or 2012) that by then I'll be a doctor! (No, not that kind, the other kind).
Comments
and you have always given great advice. glad you feel more confident in that.
xoxo
But I am sad that it means that you are leaving.