Prelim time
Well, today is it. Today is the day that the prelim will commence. I've got approximately 4 hours before the biggest test (so far) of my graduate career.
I've spent the past weeks (months?) complaining about all the work I've had to do and worrying that I've done and all around complaining about what MIGHT happen.
I think I'm over that now. I've come to accept that whatever happens today, happens. I will do my best and, knowing I've done my best, I will move from this day into tomorrow. It's not like my life will end with whatever result comes from my exam.
I'm feeling nervous, of course, but also with a shred of confidence in there. I know the material probably better than anyone else who will be in that room. My committee's purpose is not to tear me apart but rather to determine the limits of my knowledge. I can accept that. I understand that they need to feel confident in my abilities to question, to reason, and to design experiments-- that I can in fact be a scientist.
I have my 2008 resolutions printed out and hanging above my desk. They're taking from Al-Anon and a Dear Abby column, but I think some parts are particularly relevant to today.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once.
I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things I can correct and accept those I cannot.
Just for today: I will try my hardest and put my best foot forward, demonstrating my skills in an oral exam to a committee of professors. I will accept the outcome no matter what and realize that I have done my absolute best.
In other news, Jake has a 2nd round 'interview' today at the Hartland charter school. Please be keeping him in your thoughts!
I've spent the past weeks (months?) complaining about all the work I've had to do and worrying that I've done and all around complaining about what MIGHT happen.
I think I'm over that now. I've come to accept that whatever happens today, happens. I will do my best and, knowing I've done my best, I will move from this day into tomorrow. It's not like my life will end with whatever result comes from my exam.
I'm feeling nervous, of course, but also with a shred of confidence in there. I know the material probably better than anyone else who will be in that room. My committee's purpose is not to tear me apart but rather to determine the limits of my knowledge. I can accept that. I understand that they need to feel confident in my abilities to question, to reason, and to design experiments-- that I can in fact be a scientist.
I have my 2008 resolutions printed out and hanging above my desk. They're taking from Al-Anon and a Dear Abby column, but I think some parts are particularly relevant to today.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once.
I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things I can correct and accept those I cannot.
Just for today: I will try my hardest and put my best foot forward, demonstrating my skills in an oral exam to a committee of professors. I will accept the outcome no matter what and realize that I have done my absolute best.
In other news, Jake has a 2nd round 'interview' today at the Hartland charter school. Please be keeping him in your thoughts!