to summarize...

My education at the iSchool has encompassed an entire realm of knowledge above and beyond the field of librarianship. I obtained an entirely new vocabulary and understand the value of metadata. I have learned about information seeking behavior and pondered the antelope as a document. I have learned about the pursuit of intellectual freedom and the librarian’s role in maintaining that freedom. Not only have I learned that librarians really are superheroes, but I’ve also learned about myself.

I have grown and been challenged in so many ways since I first laid eyes on my application to the iSchool in the winter of 2004. I now have a career path, as opposed to a series of jobs, and I’m thrilled about entering my chosen field. The intellectual challenges that I faced and conquered have given me the strength and confidence for success in whatever my future pursuits may be.

I have, indeed, found ‘my people.’

With heartfelt thanks…

I wish to express much gratitude to all of the individuals who contributed to my success at the iSchool. First, I would like to thank the dMLIS admissions committee (and SJ Alexander) for the opportunity to study library and information sciences. But, most importantly, I owe an enormous amount of gratitude to my partner, Jillynn, and my daughter, Kira, for their unwavering support, love and encouragement – thank you so much for believing in me when I wasn’t able to believe in myself. To my classmates-turned-dear-friends, Gregory Taylor and Heather Tucker: I wouldn’t have made it through this program without your warmth, humor and encouragement – thanks for keeping it fun and tolerating my eccentricities. To my initial advisor, Lisa Fusco, I offer thanks for all of the advice, encouragement and understanding, and extend my wishes for a future of good health. To my newly-obtained advisor, Trent Hill, I really appreciate you taking me on at the last minute and for making time to supervise my Independent Study and final lap at the iSchool. Finally, I raise my glass to all of the fantastic instructors (Scott Barker, Stuart Sutton, Lisa Fusco, Trent Hill, Lorri Mon, Nancy Pearl, Lorraine Bruce, David Levy) and fascinating people (Tom Dobrowolsky, Jay Lyman, Colin Rea, Stephen Spatz, Steve Coker, Laurie Bridges) I’ve met through the iSchool – I’ve learned from you all and you’ve all been an inspiration in your own way. And, finally, to Marie Potter, who had all of the answers all of the time – thanks so much for your kind words and prompt assistance with EVERYTHING!