Well, well, well. The great news is, I passed my thesis defence. I’m in the process of uploading it to the university’s official website but I am pretty much done my degree. I worked so hard on my presentation and decided that since I wasn’t presenting data, I wouldn’t use a PowerPoint. I often find that they are only useful if you are using images or specific figures that are needed to support what you’re talking about. Otherwise, it’s a bit superfluous. If I had more time, I would have illustrated some slides but I chose to not spend my time doing that. Instead I focused on writing a presentation that was well-rehearsed and added context to my overall written work.
My eyes were totally bleary the night before my presentation from staring at a screen for so long. But I really did write out my presentation (2000 words+, edited down from 3000+!!!) so that I wasn’t simply reading aloud from my actual thesis. Well…for a few segments, I did do this. But for the most part, I didn’t. Anyways. I am so happy to have passed and I received great feedback from my committee and specifically, they commented on the strength of my presentation which made me feel like I made the right choice about not doing a PowerPoint and instead focusing on what I would say.
The week after my defence (I defended on May 11), I was absolutely exhausted. I didn’t leave my apartment. I slept so much, I just had zero energy. Despite this, I tried really hard to celebrate. But like everything during Covid, it’s felt a little lacklustre and I guess, that’s just how it is. Also, I won’t actually graduate until November so that is likely contributing to this occasion feeling a bit…deflated. But at least I no longer have to worry about my thesis anymore.
I want to feel filled with a sense of achievement but I’m not there yet. I feel a little out of sorts. One day, I might describe how the thesis process felt but for now, I just need to rest. I’m taking a break and I’m trying to reset my focus on my family, my daughter and just… taking time to chill and sleep and feel rejuvenated.
Anyways. I just wanted to share this update.
I am proud of myself, completing a graduate degree is something I have always dreamed of doing. Now that it’s done, it feels a little disorienting. Waves of achievement with waves of other emotions, too. I’m just gonna ride it out and see how I feel about it in a few months.
PS I will share the thesis link when it’s officially published.
