Shelving things up

I went to pick up my master's diploma yesterday (Pie Day!).

It wasn't anything ceremonious - ten minutes in and out of the Convocation Office. I got my piece of paper stuffed in a huge envelope. I will probably shelve it up deep in my storage space.

I don't think that the past six odd years as a PhD student was particularly a failure, or at least I try to convince myself so. It was a learning experience. I got to take a peek into the world of academia, realized how it wasn't what I expected, and then peaced out.

For now, I would rather avoid anything that remotely reminds me of the past few years. PTSD can be real for many PhD students, whether or not you actually finish the degree.

It's like getting out of a bad relationship. I don't know how long it will take, but I hope I will eventually let things go and truly move on with my life.