Discourse Chronicle

[Soundtrack: James Bond Theme. I successfully finished my first semester as a PhD student at mid-December and things ended splendidly. As I reflect on fall semester, an environmental change from Texas to Ohio worked miracles, but graduate school now seems much like a James Bond movie in some ways.

For example, Bond is always confident in any situation and remains cool under pressure, which is not a bad model for teaching and professionalism. However, overconfidence is a potential pitfall to Bond’s cavalier attitude toward life. Nevertheless, Bond’s wit is admirable and helps him out of any situation resulting from self-confidence. A restoration of confidence is what I needed and definitely received from this term.

During this semester, I found myself participating in class again, communicating my ideas clearer, and making stronger connections between new and old knowledge. I became more ambitious with my research interests while learning how to trust myself again after losing numerous sessions as an MA student. I also made significant improvements in my teaching style while maintaining my integrity as an instructor.

As a result, I love both teaching and coursework again, which I know will see me through until the end and beyond. Once again I became someone confident enough to know how to read a situation and apply inherent strengths, but also use technology as an appropriate helpmate in my career, much like Bond. I also found an amazing woman who I love and who loves me in Elizabeth, so not only did I manage to save my world, but I also got the girl. BK]

category: Life