MY MEMORIES

Charles Glenn Petersen

1974 - College Years IV

Dissertation (continued)

Each member of my graduate committee was given a copy of my completed dissertation and a date was set for my defense of my work before my committee. I was naturally nervous and concerned as to how it would go. This final oral examination was basically a presentation of my research and its results. It went surprisingly well and the committee approved.

I was now set for graduation with my PhD at the end of the summer session. I remember going back to my trailer, fixing myself a drink, leaning against the wall and basically sliding down the wall into a sitting position, drink still in hand, as all the tension slowly melted away. I don’t know how long I sat like that staring at the wall before I took my first sip of my drink and the subdued celebration began.