~The Dissertation Defense~
I have prepared for this for what feels like forever.
I have gone over answers to questions I think I’m gonna get (did not get any of those questions lol).
I am clearing my mind; listening to BBD’s Poison. I am told the mic is ready.
As I mic myself, my advisor is introducing me to the audience.
The audience…man my people came through. My auntie (who is not tech savvy) and friends from home are watching on Facebook live. The Black delegation of Purdue showed up and showed out to support. My advisor finishes introducing me and I take a deep breath…here we go!
Defending my dissertation was nerve-wrecking and exciting. I wouldn’t change a thing.
To PhD students anxious about the defense: Know your methods, know your data, know the literature. My committee and I had some interesting conversations about the data, data collection, and possible articles. As someone who had a disappointing preliminary exam experience, know that it can get better. My committee trusted me to do better. I did what I needed to do and by the proposal meeting, my growth showed.
The doctoral journey (every time I use the word “journey” it makes me think of when one of my committee members said it reminds her of Oregon Trail 😂) is full of ups and downs, storms and rainbows. It ain’t been easy, but I’m almost done! One surgery, several cries, many celebrations, and about 250 pages of dissertation and we up out this thang.
Thanks everyone for your support! 🥰
Now…if y’all could put in a good word for a young academic because this academic job search is rough!! 😭
Back to these edits... ✊🏾
Comments