It is FINALLY Finished - YeeeeHa!

[Oak Kitten]

This morning I mailed copies of my Ph.D. dissertation off to all the members of my examining committee. I will be defending it on 9 August. I can't believe I have acutally finally finished it! I started the program back in 1993, and perservered through two mobilizations (recalled to serve on active duty in the Navy), a number of deaths of friends, relatives and a member of my dissertation committee, and my own struggle with depression.

When my dissertation director read it, he said "It is some of the best work I have ever seen." I told him I thought it was pretty good, but I didn't trust my own judgment - I thought it might be the antidepressants skewing my perception. He assured me it is not the drugs, and thinks I should be able to get a book contract with a major academic press fairly quickly.

So barring any disasters between now and 9 August, I will be a real Ph.D. when I show up for the Rudie picnic the following weekend.

I never thought I would see this day. I thought I would join the ranks of the ABDs (All But Dissertation) for perpetuity.

Doing the happy dance. . .

Commander Oak (almost PhD.)

[Amy in Vermont]

Way to go!!!!!!

[Denise]

That's awesome - congratulations and good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dee]

I admire your perseverance. Congratulations, Oak!

[ponytail]

Fantastic news! Congratulations!:D

[snakegrl]

Congratulations! Now get out there and celebrate:)

[Eva]

Congratiulations! You can be so proud of yourself. This is great.

Eva

[hoops]

congratulations!! those are great words to read! i know you will be well regarded for your work, and i know that the trials you have been thru have added to you.peace
hoops

[Oak Kitten]

Thanks, "youse guys." Your congratulations and good wishes are greatly appreciated.

Oak

[Judy]

Hopes that your happy feet keep walking on air through August 9!
Good Show!
Judy

[lucille]

Congratulations Dr. Oak.

[KarenSews2]

Give the lady a hand!

Congratulations!

[DaveM]

Most impressive, "Doc". You may never get rich from all this, but it sounds as if you'll get PUBLISHED. An impressive feat in itself.

I'd say that after "the defense rests", this calls for all sorts of food that is bad for you--and Redjack should ship in ribs, too. Start stocking up on chocolate....

[Marcia Drummergal]

That's wonderful news and very gratifying I am sure!

Can't wait to meet you in PA and not just cause you are gonna be a PHD! <g>

Marcia :)

[RedjackRyan]

Congrats! <clapping wildly> So, What's up Doc? :D

[Agnes]

Congrats, Oak! Quite an accomplishment! :) I hope to one day be in your shoes...

Please drop me a note when it's published, I just may want to purchase a copy :)

[DaveM]

Now you're as much of a Doctor as "Dr. Laura" and should really get to working on your own syndicated radio/TV show. Get out on the airwaves and tell it straight....er, be assertive.

[Oak Kitten]

DaveM,

I plan to follow my dissertation director's lead in terms of the "talking head" gigs, if they ever come up. He is very selective about which ones he will participate in - usually only serious documentaries or commentary for programs on NPR or PBS.

Since my topic, the integration of women into the Navy/fleet - is firmly ensconced in the culture/gender/sexuality wars - I will NOT get involved in a screaming match with some right-wing bloviator who spews out a bunch of ahistorical BS that is long on emotion and devoid of facts. I would rather be obscure and maintain my intellectual integrity than make a spectacle of myself on those idtiotic cable shows that pretend to be news programs.

Oak

[DaveM]

I was thinking more in terms of you being the host--and keeping a baseball bat visible behind the desk in the event that a right-winger should slip past the screening process. Besides, I'll bet Janis would be happy to be one of your guests....

[Oak Kitten]

Dave M

If I get to be the host AND have a bat, then let's do it! Anne Coulter can be the first guest.

Oak

[Dar]

Way to go!!

[Elliott]

That is a VERY big deal.... Congratulations!