Saturday, April 17, 2010

And now, a word from your friendly graduate student

This week, I'm skipping the usual science story in favor of something different: a look at the life of a graduate student who will be defending her thesis in a week.

Yup, that's right, the marvelous PhD adventure is already and finally coming to an end. I say "already" because the last 6 years were filled with new friends, interesting courses, exciting science and all the perks that come with being a student (2 words: free transit). I say "finally" because the last 6 years were also filled with too many new beginnings, many frustrations, and a whole lot of stress. Overall, an amazing experience, but like all good things, it must come to an end, and it's time to move on.

That being said, it's not over until it's over. At the end of April, I will stand in a tiny room filled with professors and a few supporters (I'm so very excited that my parents are making the trip to come and encourage me!), summarize the last 6 years of my work in 20 minutes, and then get grilled on everything I know until I wave the white flag of ignorance. So until then, every single one of my days consists of waking up, studying, freaking out when I realize that I don't know anything about anything, then going to bed, and having dreams about my defense. It's a bit of a roller coaster ride, but I've done this before (for my comprehensive exam, the mid-PhD grilling to make sure you're worthy), and I've gotten better at it.

So stay tuned for the next post, in which you will learn if I'm a doctor or not, and regular programming will return shortly. I've been saving an interesting article on what to eat to ward off dementia, and I think you'll want to hear about it.

10 Responses to “And now, a word from your friendly graduate student”

Break a leg! It is sure to go well. (as a person with a bit of a problem handling performances...mahahaha, bit of a problem, yeah...I am having empathetic waves of nervousness for you... I once climbed through a ladies room window to get out of having to present some simple metrics...but then, after my heart rate returned to normal, realized my purse and keys were in the meeting room and how was I to explain my disappearance? My heart rate soared as I imagined my colleagues reporting me missing to the police or something... future blog story perhaps)...

Anyway, best wishes!

Fawn said...

OMG, I have to hear Colleen's story -- that's *some* case of nerves!

Good luck, SC -- I'm sure you'll wow them and you know way more than you think. :)

Thanks for the comments, everyone! I appreciate your lucky vibes.

Colleen, that is an awesome story. I will try to avoid climbing adventures...

Anna said...

Good luck!
I'm defending my Bsc on Wednesday, co my days are a lot like yours right now.

Good luck to you, Anna! Only a few more days to go!

Bill and Ruby said...

Best of luck to you! We KNOW you will do well and will be thinking of you on your big day!

Ruby & Bill

Thanks, Ruby and Bill! I'll keep you posted on how it goes. :) Right now I'm a complete basket case, and I can't wait until regular life starts again!

Anna said...

Yay, I passed!

Dan said...

Congrats on passing your thesis

 
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