My thesis was marked with ‘D – the thesis needs work beyond editorial corrections, but student appears capable of revising the thesis to satisfy the requirement’. My examiners talked me through these corrections, but I found it hard to focus on what they were saying. I passed, and that was all that mattered.
With no more energy to defend my intellectual usa rcs data stance and integrity, confused, surprised, and relieved, I thanked them for taking the time to read and examine my thesis and I left the room. I planned to worry about what was to come another time. It was the end of an era. One stage of my life was over, and a new stage was about to begin.
Later that day we went for a drink with some colleagues and friends. My supervisors and examiners joined us too. , our ‘big days’, and laughed at my (apparently intimidating) colour-coded post-it notes. I realised that a viva can be a draining experience for the examiners too, and that I had been too one-sided and self-absorbed to notice that.
My supervisors, supportive as ever, tried to explain that ‘D’ was a good outcome, but this time it was me who was not convinced. I found myself on the other side.