Dr. Michael A. Hammond-Todd

I presented my doctoral dissertation at the University of Victoria on June 26th in the MacLaurin Building. The doctoral defence represents the final stage of a very long journey for many candidates including myself. The past month of preparation and practice presentations to colleagues at Vancouver Island University and friends at home paid off. I was able to trim my final presentation down to the required length and answer gruelling session of questions by the members of my committee. Of course many candidates like myself may be nervous while waiting outside the defence chamber with family and friends. When calling me back the facilitator congratulated me though, at the time, the news was still surreal. However, once in the room there were warm congratulations by committee members and the reality had finally set in that I had achieved a lifelong dream. Of course, there would be some revisions to complete, but my flag was firmly planted on mountain. What philosophical and professional adventures would come next? I wonder.