Dissertation defense

We had the opportunity to listen to our son present his dissertation defense this past Monday (11/14). It was such an incredible experience. I was both filled with pride yet also completely humbled. So much fun.

I was not aware at all how these things worked. I didn't know they could be opened up to others, but am glad of it. It was entirely online via Zoom, and including his committee of five there were usually around 30-35 people in the room.

The boy began by presenting a 15-minute-ish summary of his project. The title is 'Critical Limits: Addiction's Critique of Capitalist Society.'  He was then asked questions by each of the five committee members (though it seemed they were mostly praising or encouraging him). ;) Altogether it lasted just over two hours.

At the end everyone besides the committee was asked to leave the room for a bit before we were let back in. Then he was officially introduced to us as a Doctor (of philosophy)! I was not expecting that, and it was such a cool moment!!

I have purposely not included any names, because I know the boy likes to keep a low online profile. I don't want to be an embarrassment to any of our kids or grandkids. [SIDE NOTE: I LISTED THE NAMES OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN MY WRITTEN DAILY JOURNAL ON 11/15/22]. 

Some of my thoughts while I sat and listened:

• There was a lot that was waaaaaay over my head and I didn't understand at all
• Many times I had a grin so big it almost hurt my face
• A few times I was moved to tears
• I was super impressed by everyone on the committee (I was googling them while I listened)
• I was just amazed that this was our little boy - who used to cry every day before school - and here he was interacting with and himself an actual scholar!

I wished I'd taken more notes, but the few scribbles I did make of things the committee said:

• "I like that you're seeking to restore human dignity." (G.C.E.II)
  
• "Continue to humanize, as you move into the writing of the book." (G.C.E.II)
• "Nobody does that shit!" (haha... and it was meant as a positive, as this person asked Isaac to read a paragraph from the dissertation. The same paragraph others mentioned too) (G.C.E.II)
• Another mentioned the "contribution to pastoral care." (EYL)
  
• "subtle, elusive, invites despair but doesn't end there... Really distinctive... not predictable... Joy to read." (TS)
  

 

Well, I could go on. It was a pretty special day, and I was so honored to be asked to watch/listen. What a time.

- Proud Papa