I graduated!!!

Finally! After three years of hard work I graduated for my research Master in Communication and Information Sciences.

Signing my degree

Yesterday afternoon, at 4 PM, I had the last presentation for my studies ever. Well ever… I’m not sure about that yet, because you never know what the future has in store, but for now this is the last thing I will do for a university course. I presented my thesis to my supervisor, second reader and my family. After that I answered a few questions and then we went on to signing the paperwork and that was that.

For the past 3 years I was enrolled in a full time research master at Tilburg University in addition to my 4 day teaching job. At times it was stressful, trying to combine assignments, classes and deadlines with my job. But in the end I’m really glad I did it. I even graduated with distinction which I had never expected. This is the best I’ve done in any studies I ever enrolled in.

So what did I do? I was enrolled in a Research Master in Communication and Information Sciences with a specialization in Language and Communication. I took courses on anything from linguistics to business communication and online marketing. I ended up focusing on social media practices mostly and I researched the workings of several social media platforms such as the now defunct Dutch platform Hyves, but also Twitter and Facebook.

My studies gave me tons of opportunities. I presented a paper at the largest sociolinguistics conference in Berlin and was allowed to sit in on faculty talks, work with amazing professors and explore what it would take to start a PhD. I hope that the opportunities keep on coming. I submitted my thesis for a conference in Alaska next year and I heard the other day that it has been accepted. So if all goes well, I will be off to Alaska next spring! I also hope it will open up some other doors on the work front: a higher function at work, a completely different job and, who knows, a PhD.

Right now, I’m first going to enjoy my new found freedom. I will figure out where to go or what to do next later. But right now, it’s party time!