Thursday, July 03, 2008

The force is strong in this one


I did it! I got my Masters degree! After all the study, the time sat in front of a computer willing the words to join together in comprehensible sentences and the sentences to join together into a cohesive argument, after all the blood, sweat and tears (yes, there were some), after all the time pouring over books and journals, all the research and all the sacrifices I finally got my MBA. It has not been easy. It has, in fact, been very, very, very hard. It was a challenge juggling full time work with study and it was an even bigger challenge trying to have any sort of a social life on top of all this at times, but ultimately it has been worth it because I have passed.

Here are some stats:

It took me 5 years to complete
24 essays
4 exams
1 project
1 dissertation
4 residential schools
Approximately 1200 hours of studying (possibly more)

During this time I have gone through separation and divorce and two lots of surgery and assorted treatments, my mother was ill for several months and I lost my little niece. There were times when I wanted to give up, there were times when I thought I would never finish and that I had entered a sort of private hell where I would be writing business essays and deconstructing case studies forever. However, even while I was studying my learning has benefited me at work. I have been promoted not once, but twice during this time and I attribute some of this success to my studies. Part of me still can't believe it's over, it has become so much a part of my life, while another part of me is so relieved that I can close the books. A big part of me is chuffed to pieces. What I want to know now though, is when do I get my Jedi cloak and light saber if I am a Master?

26 comments:

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

I'm still waiting for my light saber, sadly. It's been a long time, too. :(

Anyway, a HUGE congratulations to you, my dear!!! I'm so pumped for you, I can't tell you.

As for the adventures you've had along the way, well, I swear that it's part of what we go to school for. I often joke I got my MFA in ice hockey since I spent so much time on the ice rather than studying creative writing. But I learned lessons that I didn't pick up in class, I'll tell you that.

Anonymous said...

Outstanding!

It's something that can never be taken from you, and obviously means more, given your other trials and tribulations.

Throw yourself a big party and then go manage something!

Cheers

sage said...

I came over from Randalls (today, I've been here before) to congratulate you. For two of my three degrees, I worked full time--with all the extra stuff you have had going on in your life, "you've done good!"

Anonymous said...

BK, here and scroll down to the bottom for your graduation present.

Cheers.

Anonymous said...

BK if I had one it would be shipping your way over the big pond. You deserve it. I'm proud of you.

You have accomplished this task, and survived the storms, and come out still aware of life and its' blessings. What a neat person.

Congratulations BK...no one deserves it more.

Unknown said...

CONGRATULATIONS BOB-KAT!!! I remember the happiness in my late father as he watched me graduate with a BA degree in 1999. Lost him the following Christmas week. But this was our dream and it happened. Your story brought back a very nice memory. I am HAPPY for you, my friend!!!

Cheers to you!!!!!!

Pat said...

Many congratulations BK. Randall told me. It must be a joyous time for you - along with three of my grand- children- for different reasons. Hope you have a period of happy celebration. You deserve it.

pink dogwood said...

Congratulations Bobkat - I will drink for you tonight!!!

rashbre said...

Great news! Well done. Outstanding. May the force be with you.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Oh My Dear B-K...My HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS...! What a fantastic Milestone. You have worked so hard and for so very long...I hope you can take a little time to enjoy this great achievement! Like maybe a few days off somewhere wonderful and fun and relaxing---You certainly deserve it, my dear.....!
Do you have a "title" that comes with that? You ceretainly deserve it, I know that!

Melody said...

You know I am proud of you BK. Well done. Well well well done!! Congratulations. A glass of champagne for you I will have in your honour.

craziequeen said...

[looks at parcel in car]

no - I don't think it's a cape and light sabre.... :-(

Well done, babes!! Of course, I knew you'd do it :-))

cq

Dianne said...

All the more sweeter for how long and challenging the journey was!!

I'm thrilled for you!

Anonymous said...

Big, huge, congratulations on your accomplishment! You kept your eye on the prize and did it despite some pretty significant life complications. You should be very proud of yourself. And oh yeah, the saber and cloak? You already have it! (Think about Dorothy and what the Wizard revealed to her). Have some fun celebrating!!

Thanks for stopping by Spatter...

Sue said...

WOOHOO!!! Felicitations! Congratulations!!! I am SO happy for you! You already have your light saber and cloak, grasshopper. The smart ones will recognize this...

Kerri Farley said...

Congratulations! You have LOTS to be proud of!! Great job!!

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

Congratulations! I hope you get your lightsaber and cloak! :D

carmilevy said...

Only the best people are tested as you have been. And only the best manage to succeed in spite of all that has been thrown at them.

I'm so proud of you, so proud to call you my friend, and so proud of all you will accomplish in future.

Gordon said...

congratulations and Michelle sent me over to say hi as well.
You managed it all and kept your sanity (or did you?)

Jacinta said...

Congratulations on such an incredible achievement. And during all that time, to go through all those other challenges along the way - death, divorce, surgery, illness AND full time work. Yes, I think you will be receiving your cloak and saber any day now!
Well done!

Shephard said...

It's funny that you and I would both make a SW reference in the same week, and be so totally unrelated. lol

Congratulations!! Wow. Seriously, major accomplishment. You should feel so so proud. I hope your family is equally proud. But if not, you should be for yourself for sure... do something really nice for yourself... splurge for that purple lightsaber.

~S

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the comments at my place. BTW, you're up waaaaaaay past your bedtime.

Don't you have work tomorrow?

:)

Cheers.

Sara said...

Congratulations!!!! So very proud and happy for you!!!!!

MaR said...

Congratulations and much more!! I got my MA in Economics when I was 23 and had full financial support... Chapeau on your achievement, Bob-kat, well done!!

JAM said...

Congratulations! I love seeing people persevere.

Nepharia said...

Congrats! :D