I have finished my thesis and filed it. All there is to do now is the graduation ceremonies in May. This has been a 10 year process, and I am excited, relieved, nervous and trying very hard to not do anything until after the ceremonies.
Feel free to contact me if you want to see a copy of my thesis. I am happy to share it.
I don’t know what is next. I have some teaching engagements, and will hopefully be able to afford to go visit my Mom for her birthday in July.
I want to express my gratitude for all of the support I have received over the years. The words of encouragement, physical and financial support have been invaluable. It is clear to me that my life and livelihood is dependent on your support and love. Thank you. If you want to offer Dana feel free to click the link above.
I will probably reprint parts of my thesis here after I have gotten some relaxing in. Here is the acknowledgements I included in my paper:
I would like to thank my mother and two brothers. Everything starts with you. Thanks to James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, bell hooks, Michel Foucault, and Paula Arai, whose contribution to the conversation radically shifted my perspective when I was lucky enough to be ready for it, and I am eternally grateful. Great Gratitude to Ryushin Paul Haller, Zenkei Blanche Hartman, Shinshu Roberts, Mark Lancaster, Marvin Mercer, Lou Hartman, Marcus Hartsfield, David Coady, Mushim Ikeda, Larry Yang, and Howie Cohen. Your contributions to my practice and understanding are boundless. Daijaku Kinst, Scott Mitchell, David Matsumoto, Seigen Yamaoka, and Richard Payne all have contributed immensely to my academic success by encouraging me, pushing me, questioning me, and making sure I never quit, even when I wanted to. To my family of choice, Rudy, Mark and KiKi, Barbara, Lucy, Judith, Carrie, Christa, Pam, Sheila, Sé, and Julia as well as my heart kids, Kaleb, Steph, and Levi; you inspire, love, cajole, encourage, laugh, cry, and see me every day. I have chosen you, and you have chosen me. I am grateful. Finally, to the thousands of men and women, who have died in my company in one way or another, thank you can barely cover my gratitude. May I never forget.
Blessings