dr. alina

Get ready with me to cry on the internet 🤪 on April 7, 2025 I defended my dissertation. For some reason I wanted to record even the most mundane moments about that day. What I didn’t record was the defense itself and the beautiful moments with friends afterward. In revisiting these clips I was taken back to how quiet the day was. It felt like the defense started days, weeks, and maybe months before. In the traditional History dissertation defense (in my department),the phd candidate sends the completed dissertation to the committee (made up of their advisor and other experts in their field) about a month before the defense. On the day of, the experts gather and ask questions of the candidate. I gave a brief overview as to the significance of my work and its historiographical impact. Then my committee members took turns calling attention to specific instances they enjoyed or wanted to see clarified. I concluded with asking them field specific questions. Then, myself and everyone who came out, stepped outside the room for deliberations. What you see in the second to last clip is what happened immediately after we reentered the room: I passed!! In hindsight, I’m glad I recorded these moments. I’m glad to see I was doing everything in my power to take care of myself, maintain focus, and remain optimistic always. ❤️ -Dr. Scott