Today was the day. It finally happened. We got the word we've been waiting for since September -- Marc got the official notice that he has been awarded tenure!
When I look back on everything that brought us to this point, it's amazing: 7 years of graduate school in Seattle, a year in Paris so he could do dissertation research, the first year we lived in Utah when he was simultaneously writing his dissertation and putting in his first year on the job as a professor (1998-99), surviving the attempt to get rid of him at his third-year review (by petty, jealous colleagues), learning how to keep his mouth shut and play the system, many articles published, writing an online course, curating a museum exhibit based on his research, so many long nights, working every weekend and holiday, endless politicking.
I say all this not to boast but to show what a long, hard road it has been. (15 years since he started graduate school; 8 since he started working at BYU. Yikes!) The payoff is finally here (well, not literally, of course -- he is a professor in the humanities, after all...). I'm so proud of Marc. And I have to say, I'm proud of myself and my children as well. It hasn't been easy for any of us. I'm really hoping that Marc can learn how to unwind now and live without constant stress. I know my children are really looking forward to having their dad around more.
Now, how to celebrate? I've never had an occasion this big come along. And, we really don't have any money. Got any great ideas??
14 comments:
Wow, congratulations to all of you!! That's a huge success, and the destination of a long, long, long academic journey. What a relief. I hope you can all exhale and celebrate before any new levels of stress wash over you. At least he got what he set out to do, and you helped him do it--amazing!!
That's so great! Of course we all knew it would happen, but it's nice to have the final assurance! I will call you will possible celebration ideas. Timm and I were talking about them in bed last night. COngrats! I hope he slows down and spends some time at home now! (do you think that's possible?)
What an accomplishment for the whole family. I think it is a whole family fun day in order. You don't have to spend lots of money, but think of little things you missed doing. I hope that whatever you do, you are all able to enjoy it, and really feel the blessings of your faithfulness through all the trials coming to you. I love when the blessings come after the trial, I think the longer the trial the sweeter the blessing.
Well that is fabulous! and you must celebrate! So come down to California and you can stay in our home and spend some money to go to Disneyland or just the beautiful beaches around here! There is plenty to do and you don't need much to do it! Just driving down 10 hours (Yiacs gas) but then there is a whole another world!
--bring jill too!--
But if you can't because of work or whatever, I think you should at least have a rendez-vous with Mark and have Jill baby sit for the night and maybe the wee-hours!
Congratulations! I can hardly imagnine achieving a goal let alone such a huge one. I know you have been a great support to him...I am glad it all "paid" off!
Good luck with the celebration plans!
Yay! I'm so happy for you guys. I know Marc has worked really hard, and it sounds like he (and you) have had to endure some heartached through this whole thing. I know this is a well deserved honor for him and your family. So what does it mean? Will his work load be less? Does he have to work less hard to impress, or does it remain just as competitive as before? Just curious about what tenure actually means. It's one of those words that you hear and don't really know what it means!
Wow- Congratulations. He survived the most nightmarish, politically driven climate ever and got tenure (speaking from someone that works at a university and has seen the process). This really is a serious accomplishment... And of course you too should be congratulated for everything you did to help.
You should do something big. I have no idea what, but something to mark that y'all have accomplished an amazing goal.
Yeah!!! I am the worst at celebration ideas. The money issue is always hard -- maybe that's why we never celebrate!:)
My sister-in-law did the cutest thing to celebrate my brother getting his masters. She had her kids help create a menu and serve a really nice dinner at their own house. She made a really big sign with the name of the restaurant and the kids helped pick out the music and serve the dinner in their "black tie" clothes. The kids loved it and they have good memories.
Congrats to all of you!! It must be nice to have the stress lifted. You guys definitely deserve it so celebrate huge.
That's a huge accomplishment. Congratulations to you all. I bet you feel as if a huge weight has been lifted off you shoulders. Enjoy the moment.
Nice colors. Keep up the good work. thnx!
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Congratulations Marc! It is a family celebrationa an accomplishment. I think you should celebrate by coming to Bucks County ( I like this better than Philadelphia). You could pay for it with the proceeds from the photo shoots I could line u for Marc! I used his work(the darling photos of my Grandsons) as exaamples of good design in my design workshop last week. All were impressed to be sure. I have several clients interested in portrait work. Soon I can probalby book Michelle as well! I will be needing a formal portrait of Eva to add to the wall! I can only say that if I were a student, I would be in line to be in one of Marc's creatively inspired and interesting classes. All students must love his teaching style!
Sorry it is so painful for read through so many typos......am going too fast! It's late and cold down here in the new office!
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