We were discussing with Rev. Omona (lecturer and my dissertation supervisor) the frighteningly fast pace of the semester, and asking him when we could present our dissertations, what what (etc.). I mentioned that I had purchased my ticket back to the US for 4 May, and he was surprised; apparently, he thinks I should stay through the end of June.
Well, that’s not really feasible, from either a financial, employment, or logistical point of view. He was surprised that my company isn’t paying my salary while I’m on my educational leave of absence. I thought that was hysterical. He did ask me what I thought I could get done from the US that I didn’t get done here, and while that’s a valid point, my mortgage company and my employer would probably all prefer that I return to the US in May as planned.
The good news is that we learned the secret to appearing at graduation: as long as we finish everything – presentations, corrections (because they’re always there), printing/binding, everything – before the Senate meets to review candidates for graduation, we’re set. So the timeline isn’t as firm as I initially thought, but I’m choosing to view that as a back-up plan. I want to leave in May unfettered.
On a separate note, I cannot imagine how the Senate reviews 900+ students to ensure that all are properly ready for graduation. That just gives me a headache. And I already have one from the massive thunderstorm (complete with hail!) that just blew through here.
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