The Apology

Dear Native in the DAWG House,

I'm sorry. I have no excuses.

Love, Michael

In other news, I have a meeting with my adviser today. I hope that it is a fruitful one because I really need to turn this corner which will hopefully equate to the "final stretch". The final stretch means 4 things: 1) promotion to candidacy (which means you are qualified to do research; 2) written exam (demonstrating my comprehensive understanding of my discipline); 3) last course requirement in the EDLPS program (!); 4) dissertation! So, there's really that much to do. Hehehe.

I really am chuckling because even though I am being sarcastic, I am also being realistic to what remains for my degree and I'm ready for it.

What I am NOT ready for is the change that will come with the completion of this degree. I (And when I say 'I' I hardly mean me, myself, and I. I really mean I and my mentors and confidantes.) have been contemplating what I will do next after completing this tremendous accomplishment. What would you do? See, it's not that easy to answer, is it?? I think the real quandary for me is the vast ideas of what I could do. Further, it is a challenge when friends and family ask, "What are you going to do when you finish?" I know they mean no harm, but try to think of it this way: Say we were driving together, you're driving (You're a horrible drive, btw). What if I asked you, "Which way are you going to turn?" every time we came to an intersection? I mean, you know where your going, right? You don't, because I didn't set it up in this story. And, that's my point, your driving probably sucks because I'm asking you all these questions at every intersection and the destination is unwritten.

Did I mention that my dissertation will focus on the history of education? Also, did I mention that it will focus on the College of Ethnic Studies that existed at Western Washington State College (Western Washington University) from 1969 to 1978? If you don't know, now you know.