Call me Master!!! Wapak!!!!

I love saying that, "Call me master! Wapak!!!" This is the part where I take on my master stance...hehehehehe.

Seriously, yes, I have finally defended (or should it be surrendered to be lambasted) my thesis.

My defense was scheduled for September 30, 2005, 2 - 3 PM at T52. Yeah, finally the day came and it saw and hmm...did I conquer?

The preparation started long before that. It took me a trimester to finish my thesis. But it was all worth it. Now, I have finally hurdled the last obstacle. I admit I've neglected work a bit, still have...hehehe...maybe because I'm still in a state of shock and disbelief that at last, its over.

I had to take a leave yesterday from work. Yes, one day of deduction but its a small price to pay considering what I needed to do.

The night before, I had talked to my professor and she gave me last minute tips and tricks...words of wisdom. I made sure that I had everything ready from my paper, to a copy of my powerpoint presentation since I didn't memorize the abstract, I am poor im memorizing stuff, as well as the things to bring, like my clothes to wear, my USB, floppy, make up, money, etc. I ended up sleeping later than I planned but then I didn't really panic since I knew that I still had time the next day.

Early morning, I woke up around 5:30 to take a shower and then I took the time to blow dry my hair. I didn't want to get to school with frizzy hair...hehehehe. I also went to Chowking for a delicisou breakfast, my favorite, boneless bangus. No, I don't get paid by Chowking...hehehehe. Then it was to Mercury drug to buy minearl water and toothpaste. Hey, I had to brush my teeth to remove the fishy smell...hehehehe.

When I arrived, I went to the library to do some last minute cramming. I had read the paper in its entirety two days before and I had forgotten pertinent details. I won't mention what they are...hehehehehe. Then, around 12NN, my other classmate called to say that she was on her way and I was supposed to call and order Max for the "token." I told her I would do that when I finished changing into my respectable outfit. I knew it would take me longer with the make up and all the other stuff to put on.

At around 12:10 or 12:15, I was just putting the finishing touches when she called. Her brother was in the auditorium with all our stuff and she wanted me to meet him since they were going to look for a parking space. I hurriedly went downstairs to meet him and as I arrived, they arrived too. We went to the grad school building. Regina had also arrived a few minutes after. We had time to relax a bit and chat. At around 12:45, we went upstairs to the room to prepare. We set up our powerpoint presentations, the food, the drinks and other stuff. We were all nervous about the whole thing.

Finally about 15 minutes after 1, the panelists started arriving. We left the room and stayed in another room, which we call the "holding room" to await our turn. In the meatntime, I had to put in bags the chicken that we ordered. Then I went to the restroom several times. Guess I was that nervous. I tried to read and remember the data and as usual, wihout much success.

After about an hour, I was finally called. I was quite nervous. I started off with reading on my paper and my thesis adviser kept on making faces. Apparently, she wanted me to read from the presentation instead of just reading from the paper. Finally, I finished reading and explaining everything. And it was their turn to ask questions. I tried my best to answer and if I couldn't I would just smile and wait for their suggestions. Anyways, mostly they gave suggestions and recommendations. I was so relieved when it was over. I was asked along with my thesis adviser to wait for a few minutes outside while they deliberated. After a few minutes, they called us back and they said congratulations and my grade. Yahoo!!! I didn't expect to get that grade but I was glad. My goal was just to pass the defense.

Afterwards, it was Regina's turn to present. Karen and I took the time to chat about what happened and how relieved we were. I texted my sister and mom about the defense and my grade. We were interrupted briefly when Regina came back to the room to tell us that her presentation had gotten corrupted. She ended up reading from her paper but I'd have to say she had the guts to go through with it and finished her defense. I would've fallen apart if that were me. Afterwards, we went inside the room again to thank the panelists. We left afterwards since we didn't have to wait for the last candidate. I changed back to my normal clothes. And then Regina and I talked a bit and I left the school. According to my thesis adviser, we have about a week before we submit the final copy for corrections and then have it bookbound.

Now, I am just floating on cloud nine since I finished the whole thing. Yahoo!!!! Call me master...wapak!!!!