6/29/10

Yet another milestone in my "road to a completed dissertation"!

I am looking at the acceptance letter from Tokyo University! Yes, Tokyo University. Although I did receive a scholarship to go study in Japan for a year, that did not come with a "free" entry into a university. I needed to apply to see which university would accept me as a research student to conduct my research. I was looking to return to Keio University, where I attended for undergraduate, but I thought why go back when I can get another "brand" name attached to my name. How about Tokyo University?...THE number ONE university in Japan. Why not? Let's give it a shot...was my thoughts.

To my surprise, I have been accepted and will be going to Tokyo University for a year to conduct my research. Words can't express how happy I am. It's like being 2nd/3rd tier your entire life and all of a sudden you reach 1st tier. That kind of feeling? You get my point.

Still have lots to tackle though. Here is the list:
-Dissertation committee approved
-Dissertation proposal accepted by committee members
-Research approved by University of Hawaii
-Visa

Alright. I did my happy dance. It's crunch time. Back to my desk.

6/7/10

Dissertation Committee Members Set!

Yes, after all the rejections, I have finally gathered 5 professors who will determine my faith. In the end, I'll be needing 3 of the 5 to agree that whatever research I did "adds to the body of knowledge" and that I should graduate.

So, obviously this is a big step. So when the last professor agreed to serve on my committee naturally I got teary eyed. I'm so thrilled I don't even know where to begin.

Shay's Dissertation Committee Members
R.H. - Chair
S.R.
P.S.
T.H.
D.E.

Preparing for Japanese summer school has taken time away from the proposal and IRB papers, but I must get back to them. Oh, should I mention that IRB has denied me twice already...I wonder how many rejections this is going to take until they finally accept. Hm...