Today I defended my dissertation. I defended my dissertation. That means I'm Dr. Hickman now. I kind of still can't believe it.
Here's what I got from my kids:
Keaton (via text): "good stuff mom"
Tucker (via phone call): "That's pretty cool, I guess. Football football recruiting coaches players football football."
They are so proud!
Insert clever transition here. I can't think of one, so pretend this says something clever that indicates a change of topic.
As an extension of today's self-indulgence, I would like to share the acknowledgements from my paper. There's literally no way to thank everyone who has had a role in my education and career, but I can at least thank a few. Here it is:
First and foremost, I would like to
express my appreciation to the study participants. With all the
responsibilities of the classroom, I recognize how benevolent it was of each of
you to spend time with me discussing your experiences as new teachers. Our
conversations were a joy and inspiration for me. Thank you for all you do for
your students and colleagues and for your contribution to this research
project.
Dr. Kathryn Washington and Dr.
Kelly Brown, thank you for your participation on my dissertation committee,
your excitement about my research, and the exceptional examples you set as
women leaders. Dr. Johnny O’Connor, thank you for serving as my dissertation
chair and for your continued encouragement and patience throughout this
process.
I cannot express enough gratitude
to the colleagues-turned-friends who laughed and cried with me from my first
year in the classroom to today. I would specifically like to thank Chrissy
Hester for hiring me all those years ago and continuing to serve as a constant
encourager and example for me. Britina Pesak, Erin Stutts, April Todd, and
Tiffany Parkerson – I had no idea when I met you the influence you would have
on my life. You have seen me through every experience these last twenty years,
and I cannot imagine life without you. Thank you for believing in me and
cheering me on when I needed it most. Thank you for being my people.
To all the of the Hickmans. Thank
you for making me part of your family from the very beginning. To Trey, Tucker, and Keaton, thank you for
going along with whatever crazy ideas I come up with. I know that my continued
pursuit of education hasn’t always been easy on you, but still you support me
every step of the way. Trey, thank you for believing that I can do anything,
sometimes having to believe enough for both of us. You are the most patient and
kind human I’ve ever known, you can always make me laugh even when life seems
like too much, and it is a gift to spend my life with you. You are my favorite.
Finally, I would like to thank my
parents, Mike and Gale Greeson (and you, too, Wendy). You have always instilled
in me the importance of education to make our lives and the lives of others
better. You raised me to believe I can do anything if I’m willing to work hard
enough. You have always shown me that love for others is the best work we can do,
and that faith is more important than all else. I always hope to make you
proud.
