I’m (hopefully) very close to completing a second master’s degree – this one in Humanities with a history concentration.

My thesis is now in the hands of “The Committee”, as each committee member reads and gives me feedback.

My mentor sent me back a copy of it last week, and I was sad to see that it wasn’t good enough yet.  All that work researching and writing still hadn’t risen it to the level needed.

At first, naturally, I felt disappointed because I want it to be finished! But as I looked at my mentor’s comments, they drove me back into my books, and to my surprise, he was right. My thesis needed more context in certain areas.

I spent all day last Saturday reading, writing and revising. Did a final read-through on Sunday and I had to admit – it was better! Much better.

Oh, writing is a humbling business!

It’s probably a good thing. I’m learning new writing lessons, day by day, and they all keep screaming at me two specific things:  1) readers matter  2) every piece of writing can always be improved.

I FEDEXed my thesis back to “The Committee” today and it will be routed to reader number 2. I’m expecting to be disappointed once again when I receive the comments.

But I’m also anticipating  that after another round of revisions, it will be even better.

I’ll keep taking my lumps as lessons to be learned on the way to unattainable perfection.

Process is where it’s at – not the end result.

(But I am still very anxious to complete this program!  Please? Soon?)