A couple of weeks ago I wrote about Surviving the Defense. I'm sure I gave many of you the impression that the process of gearing up for a defense was a pain in the behind. In all honesty, it was. But most of that was a factor of trying to push everything through at the absolute last minute.

Looking back, there's really nothing I could have done differently. I had a committee of five to work with: 3 were on phased retirement and only worked on campus a few hours here and there and 1 was on sabbatical traipsing around the states. Only the 5th was easily accessible; but unfortunatley, he wasn't my chair. I feel pretty lucky all of them agreed on a time and place for the defense and 4 of the 5 actually showed up. Such, I think, are the Politics of Graduate School.

The defense itself was an absolute breeze. I'd prepared myself for the worst, anticipating at least one of the members would have something to say about what I'd written. I was more than pleased to find out this wasn't the case. The presentation took about 30 minutes, then we sat down and chatted together for another 20 or so, and that was that. My Chair ushered me outside of the room to "wait for their decision." I twiddled my thumbs for about 5 minutes and then was welcomed back in with a smile, handshake, and a "Congratulations, Dr. Byrne." There's something to be said, I think, for the theory that if you're allowed to schedule a dissertation defense, it's very likely you're going to defend successfully.

Where do I go from here? Frankly, nowhere--at least for a bit. I've spent a lifetime in one school or another; and working while in graduate school and coping with babies, dissertation, and other little things has taken a bit of a toll. Maintaining a sense of self while both managing stress and attempting to succeed on my own terms in life and business... well, let's just say some down time is needed.

My goal for the new year is to rediscover "free" time and finish some of the fun projects I've set aside these last few years. Of course, if I find something new and interesting to do along the way, so be it. A counseling certificate could be really helpful in the future...

Until next time!

Lynn Byrne