Happy Halfie :)

"A good thesis proposal is half the thesis done." -words of one of my Titas when I was just starting my proposal.

Today at 9:30 am, I presented and defended my thesis proposal in front of a panel. All the anxious thoughts I had in my head last night, the moment I hit the pillow at 8:30pm until I fell asleep at 10:30 pm, just disappeared in the air of lightness and understanding.

I practiced my presentation over and over because I used to exceed the allotted 20 minutes, initially baffled as to how I could put months of work into a short presentation. I don't particularly remember how many times I practiced but I remember doing so for several days, editing my presentation until it fit the 20 minutes! My first challenge was to turn my 55 US Letter pages into 13 workable Powerpoint slides. My younger sisters and Franco could attest to this, slashing and deleting here and there until only the highlights were left behind. My second challenge was to speak with confidence and to be able to convey my ideas in a clear flowing manner. From jittery to confident, I've seen my own progress in presenting my thesis proposal. And now, it's all good! :)

Of course there's more work to be done but it's easier to see the end goal when you've surpassed the center of the road. I could see the end of this particular journey saying M.A. in Developmental Psychology in big bold letters. And from there, i shall go down the bus and find my own car to drive... So many things to do but I'm halfway there with the panel members' signatures as testament to my thesis proposal's approval. :)

I'M JUST SO HAPPY! I think I've made it obvious enough with all the happy faces :) I've typed, haha. Anything and everything just makes me smile and laugh today... With one part over, another part unfolds. Before heading back to work, I just have to write this feeling down.

There's a certain kind of feeling that bursts out of my chest, like an invisible gas, making everything around me happy and high. So this is how it feels... :) In the department, everyone was congratulating me until the moment I left, including Kuya Collins (security guard of the building) who I chatted with afterwards. I drove home with a smile literally plastered on my face.

I'm so thankful to everyone! To all my friends, my family, and Franco who all gave their support throughout the process, THANK YOU. :) Thank you for all those who have been leaving encouraging messages in my blog, talking to me in person, or sending me text messages before the big day. And of course I want to Thank God. :)

I'm just happy and I want to spread it to everyone! Catch some love, happiness, and sunshine because I'm throwing all those out to the world. Hard work pays off!!! :)

For now, I'll go back to that returned copy of my proposal for additional comments and suggestions because as I said, I'm still halfway through.. :)