04 June 2009

The Dissertation Chronicle, Op. 8

After a school year's time of work, research, and writing, I finally turned in my dissertation proposal. This was last week. This afternoon I received notice that my proposal passed through the committee. Numerous trials and tribulations presented themselves to me, and my advisor and I were at odds sometimes, but it is good to know that the experience is over and has a happy ending. The proposal process was a long one, but one rich in discovery, lessons along the way, and obstacles confronted and overcome. There were times of doubt, hopelessness, and apathy; but also times of excitement, revelation, accomplishment. The research performed during the entire process has prepared me to begin writing some chapters in the very near future. The proposal process for some is the most difficult part of the entire dissertation process. It is a challenge to choose a topic, xplore what is out ther (and what isn't) pertaining to your topic, and bringing it all together in a way that is clear and makes sense to those not privy of the topic. But all the research definitely sets a path to follow, one that continues towards chapters, and ultimately completion. I will continue to chronicle my dissertation writing experience.