Today I successfully defended my dissertation and became Dr. Dean. It's strange, but glorious. It's been a long four years filled with a lot of fun and learning, but also a lot of tears and grief. Today was a good day. My defense went well, obviously, and my committee offered great feedback into ways I can strengthen some sections of my dissertation (read: more edits) and publications that can come out of my dissertation. Dr. Cooper was really proud of the work I did, and I could not have made it through this process without her!
She also really, really loved the gift of a Texas State University mug and the tea from South Africa. After the defense, I celebrated with some friends at the capital room with drinks and appetizers.
