Wednesday, February 25, 2009

oh, the ups and the downs

as much as people try and warn you about doing a phd and how it is a "roller coaster ride" to the end, there is nothing like experiencing it first-hand. this journey has truly been a test of determination and persistence, and i do not see an end to it until i defend my dissertation. from the sidelines, it's hard to truly understand what a phd is, let alone, what the hell a phd in computer science is. no matter the field, it is essentially an "immersion into the unknown." and, one of the first times you really understand this is when you get deep into your research and you find yourself stuck---and you go to someone who is a million times smarter than you for help and their response is 'i dont know.' that's when it really hits you...YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN. this (my phd) is my sole responsibility, and i cannot begin to imagine having a family to provide for in the midst of one of these troughs.

as with everything, persistence seems to be the consistent and never-failing solution to coming out on top. somehow, if you just keep at it, things seem to fall into place and you get inspiration and come to solutions/ideas.

in the words of a friend of a friend..."i'm cool with the exams life hands out, but these damn pop quizzes".....lol!

p.s. - my alma mater finally has a new president. i'm not sure how i feel about this cat's name being 'bud'

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

clayton county, clayton county...

(read this article first)

dear mr. clayton county school board director,

i know you guys have had a lot of turmoil in the county over the last year or so; losing your accreditation, dishonest school board members, etc. But, do you honestly think that terrorism ranks this highly on your priority list at the moment? i mean, really, do you honestly think terrorists are that much of a threat to your district that you need to spend $70,000 on bus driver uniforms? i eagerly await what reasoning you can provide in helping me to see the same level of importance that you do.

with this type of decision-making, it is easy to see how an atlanta county LOSES its accreditation. and from the looks of it, it doesn't look like they have found any competent replacements on the school board yet. good luck clayton county. you're gonna need it.

Friday, February 06, 2009

Happy 27th Anniversary to the Lambda Delta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

a big shout to my frat brothers far and wide as we celebrate 27 years of the greatest fraternal bond. to 27 years gentlemen of the low down chapter...

yo yo!!!