With gratitude

One of the best things about reading theses and dissertations is reading the acknowledgments. It's about finding out a little bit about the writer, who thereafter is usually referred to in the third person and past tense. As though some amorphous mind created and engineered a piece of work that now contributes to the body of science. In my humble opinion it's never as simple or removed from reality as that. I guess that's where the tradition came from - including a page or so recognizing those who assisted along the way.

I have recently learned that it's more surprising to find yourself, at that point in time - the reader, mentioned.

Claire - I didn't read your whole dissertation. And I probably only gave the acknowledgments a cursory glance. However it is praise indeed that I made a very honorable mention, especially for all the 'computer stuff'. LOL! *bow* Thank you for the nod.

And most importantly: Congratulations on the submission of your MSc. A grand achievement indeed. Now while your work is in the system, you get some well earned time-off. Let your brain rest so that you can start your doctorate at some yet-to-be-decided-UK-university, refreshed and rearing to go.

Welcome to the club of esteemed scientists.


Todays Vocab Word : Secchi depth (pronounced "secky") a measurement that indicates water clarity.