So, it’s printed. The forms are filled out. It’s done. I’m really, really a Ph.D. I feel a little like skookumchick. Now I don’t really know what to do with myself. I’m not off to become a professor, but I do have several new irons in the fire. The world does indeed seem a little different.

In my formal acknowledgements, I thanked the usual people–my husband (though not for typing), my adviser and committee, other faculty members, various helpful colleagues. But I also thanked my blog readers. I told profgrrrrl a while back that I really didn’t think I could have finished my Ph.D. without my readers. I felt supported by my readers and also felt accountable to them. I didn’t want to let you all down–though I also knew you’d be there if I did fall down. Some of you even gave me specific comments and ideas. But also, I felt like blogging and reading all your blogs kept me intellectually active in a way that worked for me. Even though I didn’t write specifically about my work here, you all made me think. And the practice of writing every day didn’t hurt either (though I’m told my voice is not academic enough). I didn’t feel isolated the way I’d felt years ago when I tried to finish the degree on my own.

So, thank you all for being there, virtually or otherwise. I am sincerely grateful.