Best Day of 2012

If you have been following this blog, you know about some of the problems I have had in the last year with my PhD program. I have had some unique circumstances (teaching four classes at a time), but also some less-than-helpful advisers along the way. After an emotional fall semester, I was finally back on track making progress. Yesterday I brought in an almost-complete draft of my proposal, and sat there sweating bullets while they read it in front of me. I was just hoping against hope that this was "it." Finally one of my advisers looked up and said "you did it." I was in shock for a little while, feeling too happy for words. With a few little tweaks (which I will send off today), I am officially ABD (for those of you not in academia, this is "all-but-dissertation"). It doesn't sound like much, but it means the world to me. Part of it is the change of status will enable me to find funding in other places (and not teach so much!). In fact, one of my goals for today is applying to summer research fellowships which will help support me over summer while I do research on my dissertation. Now my advisers (who will provide me with recommendations) can say that I am ABD which will help my chances of getting the fellowship. I am so ecstatic to get here, and looking forward to having time to do my work.
What surprised me even more is that both my advisers were asking me "so you are still passionate about this?" I guess they picked up on my previous doubt more than I expected. It felt pretty good to hear that they knew last year was hard and that they care whether or not my passion is still there for this work. I still do not have an ideal relationship with them, but it is so drastically different now - so much better. I am communicating more, and I know that is a big part of it. I also found something that I do feel passionate about - in fact, it is the very thing that drew me to the English department in the first place: Rushdie. I still remember the first time I read any of his work (Satanic Verses) - I was completely drawn in. Even then I felt like I would never get tired of reading, thinking, and writing about his work. We will see if I still feel that way after this year :)
I have to get back to it, but I will say that I am going to celebrate at a happy hour this afternoon (woot!).