So, I graduated on Sunday. It was nice that my family made it up to see me. Like I said before, I have been having a lot of mixed feelings about graduation. Namely, I have been wondering if continuing for my PhD isn't somehow selfish. I should be able to find a very nice job with my Master's degree, and obtaining the Master's has always been my practical goal. But, continuing for my PhD is a personal goal. It's one of the highest academic achievements possible, and it has always been an overall goal to achieve. However, with the arrival of Nixie last spring, things have been difficult at school. If the last couple of months are an indication of the amount of work I need to complete in order to succeed, that's more time I do not have to spend with my wife and daughter. On the flip side, securing a PhD should aid in my post school search for a position, and this will be highly beneficial. Only time will tell I guess. It is nice to know that the worst that can happen is, I have a Masters to fall back on. Not bad...and to that I applaud myself.
So here is a link to a small slide show from the ceremony. I am sorta featured in one picture....the blurring big head in the back on picture #7.
http://www.osu.edu/features/2010/wintercommencement.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
A New....New Beginning!
HA!
So with all the time I have been spending on my Masters thesis work, I have contributed exactly ZERO to this blog, which I had hoped would be my primary blog. Anyway, I am here now; having successfully written, executed, and defended my Master's thesis.
I will be graduating on Sunday, and this comes with some mixed emotions. First, I am exited to have finally reached a serious life goal. I have accomplished the next step in my career, and I hope this goes a long way to aiding my family with the life they desire.
Graduating brings relief, that no matter what happens in my attempt to complete a PhD, I will always have a Masters degree in Science to depend on. With this I feel that many job opportunities await, so the worst that can happen is I leave school and get a real job!
And then I think about what I have sacrificed to get here. You know, a couple of years ago, when I was planning my return to school, my biggest fear was losing my wife in the process. And it has been an enormous challenge for her and I to maintain our relationship. And, with the arrival of our unexpected but desired baby girl, things have been even tougher. My wife has sacrificed a lot in allowing me to complete my goals and make our life better.
So now, even though I will be staying in school, we have decided to move about an hour away in order to live a comfortable life surrounded by like minded individuals in a community setting. This will allow my wife to spend her days outside with the baby, visiting the market, the small crafts shops, etc. Yes, I will have to drive an hour to get to school each way. But, I think if the stress can be lifted off of her shoulders a little, then the stress will ease off of mine as well and we will solidify further this marriage we have been a part of for nearly 10 years now. At least, this is what I hope for our future.
So with all the time I have been spending on my Masters thesis work, I have contributed exactly ZERO to this blog, which I had hoped would be my primary blog. Anyway, I am here now; having successfully written, executed, and defended my Master's thesis.
I will be graduating on Sunday, and this comes with some mixed emotions. First, I am exited to have finally reached a serious life goal. I have accomplished the next step in my career, and I hope this goes a long way to aiding my family with the life they desire.
Graduating brings relief, that no matter what happens in my attempt to complete a PhD, I will always have a Masters degree in Science to depend on. With this I feel that many job opportunities await, so the worst that can happen is I leave school and get a real job!
And then I think about what I have sacrificed to get here. You know, a couple of years ago, when I was planning my return to school, my biggest fear was losing my wife in the process. And it has been an enormous challenge for her and I to maintain our relationship. And, with the arrival of our unexpected but desired baby girl, things have been even tougher. My wife has sacrificed a lot in allowing me to complete my goals and make our life better.
So now, even though I will be staying in school, we have decided to move about an hour away in order to live a comfortable life surrounded by like minded individuals in a community setting. This will allow my wife to spend her days outside with the baby, visiting the market, the small crafts shops, etc. Yes, I will have to drive an hour to get to school each way. But, I think if the stress can be lifted off of her shoulders a little, then the stress will ease off of mine as well and we will solidify further this marriage we have been a part of for nearly 10 years now. At least, this is what I hope for our future.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)