In a whirlwind of energy and excitement, I can proudly say that on May 15th, I graduated from the University at Buffalo with my PhD in Curriculum, Instruction and the Science of Learning!
It was a moment that I’ve been trying to envision for years. It honestly felt surreal that the day finally came and it was really happening! A mere thought from 4 years ago turned into me earning my doctorate. I can never thank my support system enough for getting me through my program. The people that I’ve met at U.B are just some of the nicest people who are working so incredibly hard in their pursuit of truth. As soon as my dissertation is published in UB’s research repository, I’ll post the link on my site.
You may be wondering what I’m going to do now that my time with U.B is done! Well, I’ll tell you. I have the honor of announcing that I have accepted a faculty position at SUNY Geneseo as their new assistant professor in inclusive early childhood education. That was ALSO something I couldn’t believe actually happened, but I am just thrilled. My husband and I will be moving to the area by summer’s end.
I will miss my time in Buffalo. It’s been my home for several years. The city has its pros and cons and has a lot of work to do but has also done a lot of work! There isn’t any place quite like it. I’m going to miss the architecture of downtown and taking the train to Canalside. I like passing by the Amtrak station by Seneca One; I remember in morbid hilarity the cold nights of trekking along with my baggage and friends up Washington to wait for the bus to Fredonia at the metro station because the Amtrak station wouldn’t be open.
Dr. Schindel taught my “Curriculum Theory and Research” course in my first semester in the PhD program, and one topic that was broached was that of “place” and “place making.” What does a place mean to you? How have you constructed this place and made good of it? I’ve moved around quite a bit in my life, and so “place making” as a construct feels odd to me. I handle it with what I believe are immature and childlike hands because I’m not sure what to do with it. But I believe that I’ve made a good place with Buffalo and all of my friends here. It’s not to say that I won’t be coming back; in fact, I may visit it just as often, if not more, than whenever I will be in Rochester, the city just north of Geneseo!
Until then, you can continue to email me at my UB email address, but you can also email me at sdidrichsen@geneseo.edu . Look forward to my new faculty page at Geneseo!
From the very wise words of Bilbo Baggins:
“I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. I have things to do. I’ve put this off far too long. I regret to announce this is the end! I’m going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell. Goodbye.“
Samantha Didrichsen, PhD. 