The 'ole dissertation...

Whether you are currently enrolled in graduate school, or considering application, there is one word that is likely to cause the hair on the back of your neck to stand straight up...DISSERTATION.

I mention this now, as it is at the forefront of the minds of several of my friends and colleagues. Previously, Forest required all students leaving for internship to have their dissertations completed prior to leaving for their internship. With my class, however, an exception to that rule was put in place, and students were allowed to begin internship without having defended their dissertations. At first, everyone thought this was great...it allowed everyone extra time to collect data, write, and more importantly, enjoy their last months of school without that added stress. However, this decision which originally fostered a sigh of relief, has quickly translated into gasps of air, equivalent to panic attacks.

Despite a number of interpersonal stressors which occured toward the end of my coursework at Forest, I managed to successfully complete my dissertation, and defended one week prior to my move to Nebraska. At the time, I resented the time I was spending working on my dissertation, but I am quickly coming to realize this was likely one of the best decisions I have ever made. With the hurried and hectic nature of my work schedule, it would have been nearly impossible to complete the dissertation and defend prior to the end of internship.

So, my advice to all current and future Forest students is this: Set aside a predetermined amount of time each week to work on the dissertation. Stick to that time no matter what comes up, and defend prior to leaving for internship! Trust me, you will thank yourself if you do!