THE THESIS WRITING PROCESS
An arduous road for anyone pre-pre-doctoral.

1) Begin with the end in mind (Literally!)

2) Have a timetable plan, though it never seems to work.

3) Start writing early... to allow for some procrastination.

4) Stock up on sachets of extra-strong coffee (you sure are gonna need it)

5) Get a good computer, preferably a keyboard that feels good for the fingers.

6) Backup files (ALWAYS) and chuck out unwanted stuff.. Otherwise, get a good computer.

7) Write as much as you can and delete unnecessary information later.

8) Read more abstracts, the more you read, the more studies you can reference, the better the thesis looks.

9) Dont think about the number of pages, just think about those 40,000 words.

And FINALLY...

10) Write like you've never written before!

:)

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's Love,
Once you've experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.
What a wonderous time is spring,
When all the tress are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That's how it is with God's love,
Once you've experienced it.
You want to sing, it's fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.

I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I've found;
You can depend on God
It matters not where you're bound,
I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.

I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.

ONE year, ONE project, HUGE expectations!!

So it goes, a huge notice on the door of the tearoom and an email circulated around the department. With that, an honours student knows her 4th year is about to come to an end.

Considering that presentations are on the 1st of October, Rachel has got a whole heap of experimental work yet to be done. Wish me the best as I attempt to complete them in the coming three weeks. :)

May the following serve as a motto for all research students:
"I have survived honours, I can survive anything."

True isnt it? Honours is probably one of the toughest phases in the entire varsity career. ONE YEAR, ONE PROJECT, HUGE EXPECTATIONS!

THomas Edison once said: The first requisite of success is the ability to apply your physical and mental energies to one problem without growing weary.

I am on the right track, aint I?

Graduation 16th Aug 2008

The very day where I received my first accomplishment after three long years. The march was great, the company awesome, the after-party all the more merrier. As I begin to enjoy the life of a post-graduate officially, I just cant help pondering what's in store in the life of rachy. A big thank you to all who have supported, encouraged and seen me through the past few years.

There's another graduation ceremony in a couple of months time. It's all coming pretty soon. The final presentation's on 1st Oct, the thesis due 31st Oct, less than a month to complete lab work. It's a mad rush aint it!

But we'll pull through. :)