GRADUATING!!!!!!

Well... almost. My defense happened yesterday at 4:00 pm--about 24 hours ago. Despite completely going nuts and reading five papers within two hours as last-minute preparation for the defense, the Q&A wasn't as bad as I thought it would have been, and I passed without any real objections, at least that was what it seemed, since I got called back after less than five minutes of deliberation.

The almost part is finishing up the Thesis and getting in a rough draft of a publication manuscript. My advisor stated that it was a condition to get signed off to graduate in May. Honestly, maybe I should delay and enjoy the perks of one more semester as a student without paying any tuition. But it wouldn't look good for professional school applications.

Anyway, after three and a half years, I'm getting my Masters. After about ten years of various attempts at research, it looks like I'll finally get some sort of publication as a primary author by my own sweat, blood, and tears.

To be honest, I feel sorta sad that the day I am leaving is in sight. I enjoyed working in the lab with all the grad students and faculty around here. Maybe I'll return for a PhD, but I need to move on and other important things in life done while I'm still relatively young.