"Master" Darby

Well, I feel bad because I kind of let this slip through the cracks, but Darby got his master's degree in August. It's kind of a weird situation. For Ph.D. students, at least in Electrical Engineering at the U of I, the master's degree is just not that big of deal. Many programs don't even require a master's for students who are pursuing a Ph.D., so this program is unusual. Darby decided not to walk for his master's because August graduates have to walk the next May. Besides it being so far away, it's kind of anticlimactic to go from your graduation ceremony straight back to your lab to continue working.

But, I realized, this is crazy! A master's degree at all is a big deal. And, in a very difficult program . . . that's huge! Darby got his diploma in the mail a couple of weeks ago and we got it framed, so I thought this would be the perfect time to post about his accomplishment. I am so incredibly proud of him. He is such a hard worker and has done so well with his research. In all honesty, I thought grad. school would be much more difficult for our marriage than it has been (I say this realizing we still have 3 intense years ahead of us). I'm very thankful that, in the midst of school stresses and worries, Darby sees our relationship as a blessing rather than another demand. I've never (ok, rarely) doubted where I rank in his priorities. I am so proud to be his wife, always, and especially when I see him achieve something he's worked so hard for. Next stop: Dr. Darby! :)