It's about to get real!

For the past three months I have had to balance two important thoughts. Finishing my Masters thesis and knowing that my next goal is just around the corner. In retrospect, I have enjoyed the past two years. But I have not forgotten the numerous weeks of stress, aggravation, and lack of sleep. However, I have kept my focus on my future and with the support of my amazing hubby I am now less then a week away from graduating with my Masters.

Now, the only thing between me and my dream career is four more years of intense work and dedication. In total I have 54 credits, 18 hours of comps, and one dissertation to complete. It will take hard work, perseverance, prayer, a little help from my friends, and more then likely a few (dozen) glasses of wine.

In the end I want to teach communication at the college level for the rest of my life. I love to research as well as teaching. Really teaching has been all I have ever wanted to do. But it was not until five years ago that I realized that teaching at the college level was where I wanted to be. Recently I have been able to teach not only as a TA for my department, but was requested to take the place of another professor at a small liberal arts college in town. After some thinking and a few talks with the hubby, I took the position. To be honest I think this new position helped me work even harder. I had to manage my time in a whole new way which kept me focused. And because of my success with the class I took over I have been offered two class this summer.

SO although I am still a few days away from OFFICIALLY being a PhD candidate I am ready and eager to begin the challenge. So... as I sit at my little MAC, I wonder what adventures I am about to experience. I am sure I will laugh, cry, scream, and smile. I know I can do it, and hopefully I will have this as a way to always remember what is was like to be a PhD candidate.