Thesis: The Beginning

I just reserved the Sociology Department conference room for my thesis defense. November 21, 2012 from 1-4pm.

Is this really happening?

I am freaking out a little bit (a lot). Mostly because I haven't exactly started writing my thesis...and I already have a defense date. There is no room for mistakes. Let me explain. My thesis committee chair, Charlie, just recently began a new position at Ohio University. The only way that he can still serve as my chair is if he and I are both physically present in Provo for my thesis defense. Charlie is going to be flying back to Utah for Thanksgiving and so this is my only chance to defend my thesis. I need to produce an excellent thesis and it must be defended on November 21st, no matter what. And I need to pass. With flying colors.

Somewhere in the back of my mind I know that I can do it. It will get done. It will be good. But I also know that it's not going to be easy. It's going to suck. I have to give up sleep. I can't travel. I need to part with Facebook (I asked Matthew to change my password on Wednesday). I need to eliminate all distractions (see below).

Most importantly, I have to exercise all of my intellectual capacity and force myself to think, read, theorize, write, analyze, compare and contrast, criticize, revise and repeat. Every day. Until it is finished. A draft, that is. After I get feedback from my committee, I will need to repeat that process until they are satisfied.

But, for the first time in my life I feel prepared. Vietnam was the breath of fresh air that I needed. I'm ready.

Bring it on, thesis.