As many know, I have been working extra hard to finish my Master’s in Marine Biology so I can move on to my next adventure.
After a lot of work, a 233-page thesis, and nail-biting, I am finally done!
Last week my evil advisor, and some of my favorite professors asked me to come to her office to discuss my thesis and degree. Well you know, when you get asked to do that it CANNOT be good.
I went though because I was determined to get it done!
When I got there they were all sitting around very serious looking and I felt my stomach sinking. They asked me to sit, so we could discuss my degree.
Then they all rose and my advisor said she was happy to inform me, that the title of Master of Marine Biology had been Conferred onto me. She said their wasn’t really a Mistress of Marine Biology, Dammit! LOL
But it was done. They couldn’t resist because as they put it, “You’re always so confident about what you are doing or wanting, sometimes you have to be shaken a little to keep your head a little less swollen and feet on the ground.”
We had a good laugh. they told me I could actually forego the rest of the year as I actually had nothing I needed to do now I had far surpassed anything needed credit-wise or otherwise to graduate.
But I am obligated to go to Hawaii and Australia at least to work as a research assistant to the young woman I promised I would. Plus I already have the tickets. Even though I won’t get anything out of it for me personally except the fun of helping do some great research and tormenting undergrads, I have to go. I let them know this and since one of them is her doctoral advisor, they were happy I wasn’t just going to jump ship (no pun intended) and leave her adrift all alone. (Ok that one was intended LOL)
They did want to know what was next. Well my advisor knew but hadn’t said anything. So I let them know I would be returning in 2024 as an undergrad, again!
I will start next year, to work on my BA in Archeology. My long term goal and continuation of my research for my thesis entails having both degrees to be effective, above and below the sea.
So there you go.
One goal achieved, a new one in site. I can’t wait for this new adventure! Until then, I have a ‘side quest’ to Hawaii and Australia the rest of this year and first part of next year.
Also, an update, some of you know that I started cross-training in Shotokan Karate this year to compliment my Judo. Soft and hard. I have been training on average 15 to 18 hours a week most of the year (I had to increase my workout regimen to 3 hours a day from 2 as well, to allow for the extra katas and increase strength and cardio training). My goal is to have my black belt in it, in less then three years. it appears I am easily on track to do so. I can’t wait for that either!
Woohoo!
