Can I really pull this off?

To write a dissertation in my field, you come up with an idea that will fill in a previously unmapped corner of the field, or that will add some useful detail to an existing map. You explain why it matters, and what previous cartographers have sketched out (chapter one, introduction). You write about where you'll be surveying and what you're going to measure (chapter two, methods).

Then you meet with a committee that tells you what's missing from your chapters, and what's inadequately supported in your arguments, and what measurement tools you really must employ that you somehow overlooked. When they agree that you can proceed with your study, you can call yourself a doctoral candidate. (Right now I'm just a doctoral student.)

Since I learned I was pregnant, my goal has been to get to candidacy before the baby comes. I just got an email from a developmental pediatrician whom I asked to be on my committee, saying he'd definitely be interested but he'd need to schedule the committee meeting now. He's already booking up in December.

So it's great that he's interested, but I'm wondering -- can I really be ready by the beginning of December? Am I confident enough to say, "Okay, then, let's set a date"? Also, I've been assuming all along that I would be late again, but what if the unexpected happens and baby is early?

I suppose we can set a date for the first week in December, when I won't quite be 38 weeks along. I will just push aside thoughts of the ice storms we've had in early December in recent years. Global warming, right? And you know, I haven't missed a deadline yet in this program, so I suppose it's reasonable to be sanguine about getting two chapters written by mid-November. I hope. Did I just jinx myself?

Comments

[mary]

You can totally do it. I mean, it won't be easy, that's for sure, but you can pull it off. For me, the deadline would sure help motivate me -- hopefully it works the same for you!

[Tracy]

well, if you can't do it, or the baby arrives early - you will reschedule. It happens. If it happens because the baby arrives early, everyone will understand, and you'll do the committee meeting in the spring when the baby is 3-4 months old. Elwood will be outside pacing with baby girl :-).

However, I think you can do it! Go, CJ, GO!

[Jody]

Set the date. Early babies are always a good excuse to change things, should the need arise.