This August will mark the beginning of my fourth year in pursuit of my PhD. My office mate graduated last May and has successfully landed a job (very happily nearby so we can continue collaborating).
A lot of the academic rust has been knocked off and wire-brushed. For the most part, it has been a really enjoyable experience. I am where I should be. Delight in learning, delight in discussions and debates, delight in questioning my own ideas–they have all confirmed my decision to return.
I am currently taking my last class, and the fall begins the dissertation phase, with many nerve-testing phases. It is not easy, as I have witnessed my fellow grad students struggle to cope with the stress. Even so, I am excited to realize that my life part two is coming in to focus. It looks so good.
early walk
heat rises with birdsong
mockingbird
Shiteki Na Usagi 
Congratulations to you…so happy to read that you’re close to such a powerful milestone.
Thank you. I’m pretty stoked.
Hello friend. Congratulations! I enjoyed reading this and appreciated the haiku. Be well.
Hi Liz! Long time no see. Hope things have been well for you. Thank you for the congrats. Not done yet, but I can see the light. 😉