December 15.
That lead sentence breaks a
long-held journalism rule of not starting a lead sentence with a date unless
that date is important. So today I’m breaking that rule because I’m writing
about a milestone in my life.
December 15 is the day I hope to
be set free from the toils of academia. There are so many things I will be able
to do again. Let me count thy ways:
 |
| The announcement. |
2.
I can start working out again. I need to harden
the softening muscles that went flab during five years of sitting on a chair
with my nose glued to a computer or book;
3.
Housework will get the attention to detail it so
desperately needs;
4.
My own students will get their grades returned
in a more timely fashion;
5. Did I already mention my family would regain my
attention they so desperately crave?
There are two concrete things
that help make this impending day more real: the cap and gown that’s still in
the Kent State University Bookstore plastic bag and hanging on a dresser knob
in my bedroom, and the graduation announcements that are still in the box on my
desk. They are in my possession, and I can hold them, wear them, put addresses
and stamps on them, but they don’t matter until my Master’s project is officially
approved.
I defend the project at KSU Nov. 29, and if my committee chairs approve the course proposal, then I will celebrate by trying on my cap and gown, and mailing out the announcements.
It's been more than a month
since my last blog post. I just didn’t have the energy or wit to
explain one more time how difficult learning APA was for me. But now that I’m familiar
with APA, working on the project is easier and
more enjoyable.
Let me take this opportunity to impart
one very important piece of advice to anyone working on a Master’s project or
thesis some day: Buy a good book on APA guidelines, and study it before you write that first word. It will save you lots of
time, and your instructors will love you for it!
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