Glutton for Academic Punishment

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by me again, Dec 21, 2002.

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  1. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    Well, we just had our final exam today, thus leaving us with only three more courses to complete to graduate with a M.A. in June of 2003!!! At eight weeks per course, that is right around the corner!!!

    Previously, I had swore that I would never pursue a doctoral degree. So after finishing today’s final exam, I left class and I happened to drive passed the Argosy University campus when suddenly, the deep, inward urge to pursue a doctorate overtook and enveloped me like a demon overtakes his victim.

    Sheesh, sometimes I can't shake this deep, inward urge. :rolleyes:

    Am I a glutton for three more years of academic slave work? :confused:

    Don't answer that. :eek:
     
  2. Guest

    Guest Guest

    It isn't demonic activity at all, David. What you have described fits within one of the following parameters:

    1. Fate! The gods have chosen you to pursue and earn a doctorate. In this scenario if you can rally enough of the gods to your side, perhaps you can overcome this "urge."

    2. Calvinism: You have been predestined to earn a doctorate. Don't try to resist it---you can't. And not only will you earn one, you don't even have to study.

    3. Manic Depression: Characterized by periodic mood swings which swing like a pendulum between earning a doctorate and not earning one. Perhaps a combination of Zoloft and Paxil can help. And for those really anxious moments--Xanax.

    4. DegreeInfo Addict: A 12-Step program may help. My name is David and I am an academ-aholic. ;)
     
  3. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    I meet every night in an "Academ-aholics Anonymous" group at DegreeInfo.com to help strengthen others as we walk eachother through the 12 step program. ;)

    Hi everybody, my name is David... :D
     
  4. defii

    defii New Member

    My Brother, My Brother, I fully understand. In my case, I don't even have to pass near a university - though going to church every week near Stanford University doesn't help. I only have to see the letters "p," "h," and "d" in just about any order and the itch begins. I wallow in the thoughts for a while and just console myself with these words, "Soon, O Soon."

    I concede: I am David and I am an academholic.
     
  5. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Re: Re: Glutton for Academic Punishment

    I was once watching an old episode of Hawaii Five-0, when Danno answered the telephone with the words "HPD." It was like I immediately went into a hypnotic trance.

    I thought:

    HPD
    DPH
    HDP
    DHP
    PHD
    PhD
    Ph.D.
    Doctor of Philosophy

    Before I knew what I was doing I had dialed the toll free number for Trinity College/University, had given them my credit card number, and they were ready to Fed Ex my diploma overnight. Fortunately, my wife snapped her finger and I snapped out of the hypnotic trance and back into reality.

    So close, and yet so far away! :D
     
  6. John Roberts

    John Roberts New Member

    Russell, I too remember that episode, and the reference to 'HPD' and you so rightly got to it in your hierachy list from HPD to Ph.D (Permanent head Damage) along with the reality check.

    That is exactly how the telemarketing/advertising of the Diploma Mills work.

    J.R(ic)
     
  7. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    Maybe the George Bush Incentive Plan will help make the Ph.D. decision.

    When I finished my Master's, I had two choices: go on for a doctorate, or visit my friendly local draft board to collect my prize of a free trip to Vietnam.

    If there is a major land war in the middle east, and if people in graduate school are once again exempt from the draft, this may help make up a few minds.

    PS: I would have still been draft-eligible until my 28th birthday. Amazingly enough, my Ph.D. diploma is dated 3 days after said birthday.
     

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