Cinco de Mayo and Dissertations
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Grab a taco. Kick back with a cerveza or margarita. We’re gonna get you ready for your post-dissertation fiesta!…
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Here in the U.S., most of the celebrations of Cinco de Mayo focus on the food and culture of Mexico, our neighbor to the South. I certainly plan to support my local Mexican restaurant today and sit out on the patio and enjoy a nice big margarita!
But what is this day really about, and what does it have to do with your dissertation?
Although it is not a national holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated heavily in the state of Puebla with historical reenactments and meals, and schools are closed throughout the country.
What are they celebrating? This day is a big deal because in 1861 Mexico was invaded by France. Things weren’t looking so good for Mexico, but then on May 5, 1862 an outnumbered Mexican army decisively beat the French army.
This boosted morale in Mexico so much that it is widely considered a turning point in the struggle. Many historians also note that this was the last time a European force attempted to invade any part of the Americas. So overall, an important day.
What does this have to do with your dissertation? Sometimes your dissertation can feel like a prolonged battle (albeit one of your own choosing!). You may often feel defeated, overwhelmed, or ill-equipped. But just like when a small decisive victory on Cinco de Mayo boosted morale in a way that led to the expulsion of the French from Mexico, one small victory along the path to completing your dissertation can have a big impact on your psychologically. Small victories start to add up and before you know it, you’ll be well on the way to completing your dissertation.
Of course a dissertation is no a war against an invading army. It’s much easier! In this situation you are going to look at all the things that need to be completed, find one that is an obstacle, and single-mindedly focus on completing that so you can move on to the next part.
So have a margarita and don’t worry about the whole enchilada! Finish this thing one bite at a time!
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