Graduation 2012!

Last night was the big project defense...

I am beyond thankful for my Graduate Advisory Committee and their involvement and willingness to walk with me through my graduate program journey. With their approval, I have been given the green light... on Mother's Day I will be graduating with a 4.0 from the MEd in Cross-Cultural Studies program from the University of Alaska Fairbanks!

Some quotes from my committee members:
"This was not over-romanticized. It is very compelling."
"Your willingness to step out of your comfort zone regarding the use of technology is to be commended. It is quite parallel to your project, actually."
"You have manifested. You have identified challenges and you are passing your learnings along."
"The challenges of living and teaching in rural Alaska were presented in a subtle and sophisticated way. I appreciate the portrayal."
"All rural Alaskan schools need this."

...music to my ears! Thank you my lovely, awesome GAC for your feedback and approval!


Thank you so much to all of my friends, family, and colleagues near and far! Your support, encouragement, and love has lifted me when I needed it most. Yesterday's 20 minute defense turned into an hour long presentation... me?... a talker? :D It was awesome to be able to defend what I have been so passionate about and to wrap up this project, which has really documented my four years in Chevak.

Even better, I was able to celebrate with my honey, while the sun shone down on us. Not much is comparable to having a strong and loving support network. It makes anything and everything a little more tolerable. This girl is BEYOND ecstatic, thankful, and appreciative. Maybe it's about time I take a little break from school...

Cheers! XO!

Misty Dawn

Phi Kappa Phi Grad Gear!

I just ordered my medallion, stole, and honor cord from Phi Kappa Phi for my upcoming graduation... now, it's all becoming so much more real and so much more exciting!!! 

Phi Kappa Phi

Am I speaking Greek? Sure am! I just found out that I will be getting inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest, largest and most selective all-discipline honor society! Standards for this election are fairly high. Membership is by invitation only to the University of Alaska Fairbanks' top 7.5% of second semester juniors and the top 10% of seniors and graduate students. After all the hard work I have put into my master's-- with much more to come this upcoming summer and next school year-- I am pretty elated :) Thanks to all of my family, friends, and colleagues who have been so supportive and encouraging... you guys rock!!! Good things are always that much better when surrounded by good friends and family ;) Hard work does indeed pay off! Here in Chevak, we have a Cup'ik value that says, "Never give up on trying to do what you set your mind on." Quyana agayun!

Cheers!
Misty Dawn