I Gots My Honours Project by SigmaNunki

SIGMANUNKI'S BLOG

SigmaNunki

I Gots My Honours Project
Thursday, October 6, 2005

For background, see previous blogs.

So, I had politics used against me; I used politics against them

Basically, what I did was force a situation in which they couldn't say no.

What I did was talk to the U that I'm a visiting student at and see if someone there would be willing to supervise me. Someone was and all became arranged.

Now, when asking for a letter of permission to do it at my current U, my home U has two implications if they say no.

1) No, that U is not good enough for us.
Well chair, what do you want me to tell them when I go back since all is arranged?

2) No, you have to do it here and we won't let you.
Why? I have already gotten my two required supervisors. Are you saying that I can't do it just because it's me?

In either case, can we say political fallout?

So, I see the chair and explain that the courses are equivalent. Show him my current U's calender and explain what I've arranged.

He said that he'd have to talk to the honours committee before he could render a decision.

Why? I say. All a letter of permission is is to see if the courses are indeed equivalent. As I have explained they are. The honours committee has nothing to do with it anymore.

Pause. Let me photo-copy that page from the calender.

It took some time for that photo-copy to be made. I gather that he did more than just photo-copy that page.

When he came back in, he just said, sure that'll be fine, I'll sign it.

He also stated that he liked (can't think of the exact word he used) my motivation/perseverance in getting the honours project. That it would serve me well in grad studies should I end up there.

Then we talked a little bit which of course quickly ended up being about the failings of the current structure of the honours project. I mentioned some alternatives that they might think about implementing that I found at my current U.

He photo-copied those pages as well and off I went.

One thing struck me though. While we were talking he mentioned a few things that hinted that he didn't want to deny me a project in the first place. That the decision was indeed a political one and not based on my merits as a student.

I imagine that he felt, as figure head of the department, that he had to defend the committees decision regardless of how he felt on the matter.

I think I've made an enemy in that department.

At any rate, I got my honours project, and a topic. Now comes the work... lots and lots of work.

Happy happy

COMMENTS

Friday, October 7, 2005 7:17 PM

SIGMANUNKI

Thanks guys, appreciated :)

twg:
I think I have not been terribly clear on what I meant. It happens more often then I'd like, and I try to watch it so people can get what I'm saying. But, sometimes...

First off, I know for a fact that I'm not going to word this properly. Let's see if the feelings in my head/etc can make it out into the chars I write this time (or a close approx.). Hopefully I'll make sense this time ;)

I wasn't calling into question anything you think/feel of what I've gotten through at all. In fact, I'm happy, and flattered, that someone that I don't know (personally) has kept enough tabs on me through my blogs to be proud of what I've managed to do. That someone cared enough to do it.

What I was attempting to say (failing as it would seem) is that I find it interesting that the words that you've typed have more meaning to me than most people that I know personally.

It's nice to know that someone/some people is/are proud of what I've done. Gives the heart somewhat of a tug. It's this that I find interesting.

Don't know what that makes be out to be (geek/nerd/etc). But, I think I can live with it. That is, to know that people like you (and others here, Serenity I'm looking at you :)) exist.

It gives a nice warm fuzzy feeling inside. Something that I'm not terribly accustomed to anymore (partially b/c of all the fighting and such related to the above).

So, as I sit here starting to get all welled up.

Thank you for being you. It is appreciated more than you know.

Friday, October 7, 2005 4:25 PM

THATWEIRDGIRL

You're very welcome!

I've read all your blogs, I know how hard you worked for this and how much crap they kept throwing back at you....just 'cause we've not met doesn't mean I can't think you did a great job persevering and making a way for yourself.

As Serenity points out, you've proven you deserve this.

Very proud.

Friday, October 7, 2005 3:58 AM

CALLMESERENITY

Good for you!!! You deserve much success. Which you've just proven you can earn.

Thursday, October 6, 2005 4:58 PM

SIGMANUNKI

Thanks :)

It feels good to have 'proud' in a sentence refering to me. Been awhile.

The weird thing is (maybe it's because you are that weird girl

), it actually has more meaning coming from you than most people currently in my life. No offense intended, it's just that we've never met - just talked online a bit.

Just find it weird/interesting is all.

Thursday, October 6, 2005 2:49 PM

THATWEIRDGIRL

I'm so proud of you!

Still can’t believe they made you go thru all those asinine steps...and now you finally get the approval of your project. Way to go!

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