Wrap Up?

Things are slowly coming to a close here in Buffalo. As the days go by, I am slowly feeling this impending feeling of closure. After all, I have spent a total of seven years here, and this chapter of my life will end soon, waiting for the next chapter to begin.

Last month, I already filed my papers to the Graduate School, asking for an amendment to my candidacy. That means that they now expect me to graduate in September 2012. That's the date that I am aiming for. In order for that to happen, I should have everything in by August 24. The Graduate School must have a copy of my dissertation by that date. In order for that to happen, I should have defended it at least two weeks before that date. So that is what I am aiming for.

I didn't renew my apartment lease. I am already looking for post-doctoral opportunities everywhere, here in the United States, in Europe, overseas, everywhere. We'll see if there are open calls for that.

So what's the worst thing that could happen? If I don't get anything, then I have to go back to Manila for a bit. If that happens, then I'll use that opportunity to churn out papers and publish my research, making me more competitive for the market, while continuing on the job hunt.

So yes, this is my last summer here in Buffalo. And I honestly don't know where my next summer will be.

(More Japanese Chairs, from my Cathedral of Learning Series)