Dissertation Prospectus Defense

I love to write.  I do.  Yet in the myriad of papers, projects, and chapters, my love of writing has been tested.

For me, writing is processing.  Since I'm a verbal processor, this avenue allows me to think freely while also slow my brain to the speed of my pen (or keystroke).  That said, I realized the other day how long it had been since I updated this blog.  Without trying to give too many excuses, and I have a few, I will say part of this blog has also been a place to update family and friends on life happenings.  This often includes pictures...and I have run out of available space to post pictures.  I need to do something about this, and quickly, for as much as I love to write, I also love the ability to capture moments and share those through words and pictures.

Anyway.

An exciting moment was had on Monday, July 29th around 3:02pm.

This PhD process has been...
     rough
          challenging
               a gift
                    stretching
                         a journey!

...and it's not over yet.

But another milestone happened on Monday when I successfully defended my dissertation prospectus (Chapters 1-3).  This defense was an opportunity to talk with my committee about my study, what I plan to do, and why I plan to do it.  Truthfully, even though I was nervous about it, I knew it was suppose to be more of a conversation; and it was.  I enjoyed the time to talk about the study, talk through their thoughts/questions, and reaffirm the need and importance of this work.  It also helps that I really like the faculty on my committee!

So another letter accomplished.  D-O-C-T-O

Only ONE more to go!