Master of Science

After a long hiatus, I am back to the blogosphere. It was this day, that was holding me away. And the day finally arrived. Dressed in a white shirt and brown trousers, I left for the lab in the morning. As it approached 2 p.m., I was getting a little jittery. I reached the Conference room half an hour before to set the room up with refreshments and the computer. Ruchika accompanied me in setting up the projector. Very soon, Meera and Komudi arrived. A couple more walked in, before my advisor entered the room. Tension was palpable in the air. Noticing the presence of several people, he said, "We have quite an audience here", to which Kimberly remarked "I know, he's a popular man!".

The incoming stream of people ebbed, and I was ready to begin, except that there was no sight of Dr. Walter. My advisor wanted to start anyway, but Dr. Singh would not have that. In came Dr. Walter, and the room was closed. I was asked to give a brief bio and then start the presentation. The talk went for a little under half an hour, and then the audience was asked to leave. Now, it was just me and the committee. Questions started flowing, luckily one at a time. It went on till about 3 p.m., and then I was asked to step outside for a few minutes. I waited impatiently outside as the committee deliberated on my performance. Then the door opened, and out came my advisor. "All right Sir, you did it. Congratulations", and extended his hand for a firm shake. As I walked into the room, both Dr. Singh and Dr. Walter congratulated me as well, and wished me success in my new program. The thesis was approved with minor changes. Subject to my submission of thesis by August 15, I would be "taking the walk" (getting my degree) in the Summer Commencement on August 26.