By now, I'm sure you're sick of hearing me talk about my dissertation defense. And to that, I say "too bad." :) I worked for a looooong time on that dang thing, so you better believe I'm going to revel in the excitement of being done. I was pretty creative in the scheduling of my defense, which allowed me to squeeze in some extra friends and family time. Here are a few snapshots from the big day, with more pictures of the long weekend coming later this week...
This was me and my anxious self an hour before the defense. My old boss and dear friend Jenny let Matt and I hole up in her office prior to the big to-do, and I kept vacillating between my presentation and my i-Phone, reading all the sweet and thoughtful texts coming in from friends and family. (Have I ever mentioned that I have the best friends and family in the whole wide world?)
Two hours later...DEFENDED! This is me with my chair and advisor, Dr. Castillo. I meant what I said in my dedication, when I said that she has been an incredible source of support through this project. I'm not sure I could have made it without her.
Immediately after my defense, my parents (who were waiting anxiously on campus but not in the room), Matt, and I headed straight to Dallas to celebrate with my friends and family. It was SO wonderful to be able to celebrate with most of my best friends and family in one place. It felt like a mini repeat of Matt and I's wedding; all the people we love in one place at one time! There were several times I looked around the table, from my parents, to Matt, to my friends, thinking, "I want to hold onto this moment forever." It was that special.
These girls are pretty incredible, and its funny to think that we all met in sequins and cowboy hats. (Thank you CHS drillteam!) I love them so much and was extra excited to meet Kendall's baby bump.
The next day, we headed up I-35 to Norman, Oklahoma where to we got to see this little guy. The cherry on top of my celebration! Naturally, I took a bazillion pictures while at OU, so I'm going to post those later in the week. Looking back through all of these pictures and remembering the weekend, makes me all warm and fuzzy inside again. The only thing better than defending was being able to share it with my dear family and friends :)
Hope you're having a fabulous day. It's almost mid-week; hang in there!
6 comments:
What was your dissertation about?? Congrats again!
Post as much as you want about your dissertation defense! A) You deserve it and B) It inspires grad students like me to keep at it!
Wohooo! So glad you could be with so many special people to celebrate all of your hard work. Congratulations again! :)
Sounds the like perfect way to begin a dissertation celebration!! Congratulations again! :)
congratulations!!! :)
You deserve all of the celebrations! You're so lucky to have such amazing family and friends to congratulate you!
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