The Journey

I read Google's quotes of the day today and loved this one:

"Whoever ceases to be a student has never been a student." ~George Iles

It just seemed appropriate for me to read today. I officially (and successfully) defended my dissertation on April 16, 2009, earning my doctoral degree in Information Systems and Communications from Robert Morris University. But even though I'm done with the program, I've always had a love of learning and know that I'll never stop seeking to learn and understand more. Plus, with my newly formed research skills, I know I'll continue to actively research in the future (formally or not).

While it's a huge relief to be finished, there is a part of me that's a little sad that it's over. Our advisors always say that getting a doctorate is "all about the journey" - and I think in many ways they're right. There's definitely a feeling of pride and accomplishment in finishing, but it was also fun to look forward to learning new things and having new (and repeated!) intellectual debates and discussions at each doctoral weekend. Plus, my program was cohort-based, and the others in the cohort that have gone on this journey with me for the past 3 years have honestly become great friends. It's hard to think that we won't see each other as much anymore... although I fully expect the Pittburghers to keep getting together!

I'm looking forward to the graduation dinner and the commencement ceremony in May. I just wish that Mom could be there too. I know she'll be with me there in spirit, but I can't help wishing for more.

Summer is officially over

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, we all have to accept the sad fact that summer is over. Since my last post, I've been busy starting the semester again at school, getting things prepared for the big move (the date of which is STILL undecided, grrr), and spending some time with family and friends at various picnics and cookouts.

Oh, and I got to see Brody again over the weekend... doesn't he look like he's wrapped up in a little peapod? So cute! :0)


Plans for the rest of this week include more packing as well as some serious blocks of time for writing. I have to finish a draft of my methodology chapter for RMU and another assignment before the next residency, and I'm hoping to get done early since we don't know exactly when our moving date is going to be. If all goes well, I'll have both assignments written before the weekend (keeping my fingers crossed).

Back to school

So after a summer that somehow seemed to fly by in flash of sunshine, I find myself back at RMU for the final year of my doctoral program. After the first day back, I have to say that so far this year has been an equal mix of fear and excitement. (To give you a little background, I would have said the only word to describe the first day of last year was PANIC.) So I think it's an improvement!

Right now, I'm a little ahead of the game because I collected data for my research over the summer and will be entering into the fun, fun world of data analysis this fall. I just hope that things continue to go well. With the big move to the new house looming on the horizon, I really need to keep as stress free as possible. We'll see how that goes. One day down, six more to go...