Psychics and Dissertations
October 19th is John Edward’s birthday. The self-proclaimed psychic and host of the syndicated TV show, Crossing Over, Edward would relay messages from the beyond to loved ones in the audience. What messages does the beyond have for your dissertation?…
I’m getting a message from the beyond. It’s from someone whose first name begins with D. Does anyone know someone whose first name started with D? No?
Wait. The message is for someone whose first name starts with D. Anyone? No?
Wait, wait. It’s for someone who wants their first name to start with D. Anyone? Wait. I’m getting another letter…
This message is for someone who wants their name to start with Dr. That’s you? Great! (Finally!) So, the message is coming through for you…
Don’t bet your (academic) life on it.
Few things are certain in the life and half as many in your dissertation. When you receive a message from your committee about your draft, accept it at face value and respond accordingly. Don’t stake your chances at graduating on your ability to turn your committee’s perspective around to yours. Give them what they want, so that you can cross over to the after-Ph.D. life!
This, too, shall pass.
It can seem like the dissertation is a never-ending trudge up and ever-steepening hill. Don’t lament. Your journey has a destination, even if you can’t see it yet. Keep your feet moving. Keep your heading true. You’ll get there soon. And the rewards will be yours!
It could be worse.
OK… Honestly, not all of the messages from the beyond really mean anything. Most people on Earth can’t really help you with a dissertation, so why would you expect the Universe’s batting average to be much higher?
Really, if you want extra help and support, don’t look to crystal balls and tea leaves. Find someone who’s been there before and draft them into your support network.
I mean, unless you don’t know anyone who’s earned their doctoral degree. Maybe someone who can offer advice on getting through the dissertation process. Maybe someone who even delivers little gems of dissertation diamonds right to your inbox every day, just for the asking…
You know, it could be worse. Maybe this beyond thing is worth listening to after all…
