Dr. Hickman (seriously...no kidding)

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.