This article was written by Kathakali Chatterjee.
The director of my department at the University of Wisconsin-Stout came to me a couple of days ago when I was frantically working and trying to wrap up as my last day in the office. She wanted to know if I could spare a few minutes to talk to her. I gladly accepted the offer because I was looking for a break. When we came back to the office after half an hour talking, I saw the whole office was full of people I knew, loved and respected. In the corner there was a huge cake waiting for me as I was the only "holy cow" girl in that office!
The director of my department at the University of Wisconsin-Stout came to me a couple of days ago when I was frantically working and trying to wrap up as my last day in the office. She wanted to know if I could spare a few minutes to talk to her. I gladly accepted the offer because I was looking for a break. When we came back to the office after half an hour talking, I saw the whole office was full of people I knew, loved and respected. In the corner there was a huge cake waiting for me as I was the only "holy cow" girl in that office!
This was a surprise party organized by my department to celebrate my
move from a Master's degree in Wisconsin onto a Ph.D. program in North
Dakota. My initial reaction was, as usual, "holy cow!"
Then I realized, "The bond that links your true family is not one of
blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members
of one family grow up under the same roof."
I read that quote a hundred times before, but I never really understood
its true meaning until that moment.
This is a wonderful tribute, Katha!
Your writing is touching.
Can you tell us why you chose North Dakota?
Did your Wisconsin school have a Ph.D. program that interested you?
David thanks a lot for publishing this!
There was no better way to express my gratitude to this small world of mine…including you.
I found the doctoral program in Education of NDSU -- http://www.ndsu.edu/ -- was a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary approach, liked the conversation with my program chair, was offered a full scholarship, discovered it was a good school to school to work with http://www.ndsu.edu/research/news_article.php?article_number=24 –- so, decided to join!
UW-Stout doesn’t offer a doctoral program but it has a Ed S program though!
I am proud of you, Katha, and it is my honor to know you.
Your article thanking those who helped you is a wonderful human tribute.
I am certain you will find wild success at NDSU!
Please don't be a stranger here!
David! No way!!!
Wait for my next Four Corner on North Dakota – my camera is ready!!!
I wanted to study journalism, it didn’t happen – well, at least I am being able to express myself now – freely!!!
I have a habit of feeling suffocated in every 4/5 years, may be I would explore something different like this!
Thanks again for your support!
Ooops!!!
I used two quotations from Richard Bach, forgot to mention…credit goes to him!!!
Hi Katha,
Congratulations on your acceptance into the North Dakota doctoral program and your completion of your master's program!
I'm curious to see your new pictures and can't wait to hear more stories about your experiences as you learn about your new home away from home.
Hey Chris! Thanks for your kind comment!
I am yet to finalize a place to stay there but started planning my next trip to Montana Glacier Park!!!
Or, I might take my first trip to South Dakota and Wyoming!
:D
Hi Katha,
I've never been to any of those places, so it'll be fun to read about your experiences and impressions out in the west.
Have lots of fun while you learn.
Hi Katha!
I wish you all the best on your move and I hope you have a safe trip.
I am excited you will be able to continue to participate here with us!
Oh, and I'm glad you were able to connect your quotes! I was wondering about your inspiration. Now we know!
David, thanks a lot!
Katha:
I am sorry that I could not make it to your party, but you know that I am with you in spirit. Each book that I read, I will say "Katha would love this one". I am so proud of you that you are furthering your education. I am confident you will do great things. As I said to your admissions person, I hope that someday you and I are teaching side by side. I have so much to learn from you.
Best regards,
Kari
Kari!
It’s another lovely surprise to see you here!
You are one of my best experiences in Stout, and I am grateful to you for accepting me the way I am.
Thank you for helping me to spread my wings!!!
Katha,
As another person from Stout who has been touched by your presence permit me to make a few comments. Like Kari, I find when I read books I think of you. I laughed while putting away the 10 or so books you returned last week. "Oh, that's where you've been" was a comment made frequently in looking at all the titles back in my personal library. You are on your way to another adventure. Enjoy the journey! Stay in touch.
Warmest wishes for continued success.
Kat
Kat!
What an excellent surprise!!!
I know I have tested your patience, I have stretched myself too thin at times…thank you for bearing with me and getting the “derailed me” back in track.
Without you, I wouldn’t have written this article. What else can I say? Thanks a lot!
You know I will be five hours away from Stout – but you are only an e-mail away!
You might have to get that “derailed me” back in track again!
Hi Katha,
I missed your party due to a schedule conflict, but wanted a chance to thank you for your outstanding contributions to the Stout campus and, particularly, the MSS office! What a wonderful asset you have been. I wish you well as you pursue your Ph.D., continue to build your future, and reach your goals.
Joan Thomas
Joan,
I missed you that day!
Thank you for all your support, time and help – without it I wouldn’t have performed the way I did.
It will be one of the most memorable experiences in my life. Thank you again,
Best regards
Dear Katha - when I think of the way women communicate and lead, I think of webs. You have spun a wonderful, supportive web around the needs of the precollege program. I wish I had had more opportunity to work with you, and indeed hope we meet again! Safe and wonderful journeys!
Best wishes my dear Katha. Do your best work ever in Fargo and then come back to us. Enjoy this chapter of your life.
Hello Mary,
It was my pleasure to know you and to get a chance to work with you. I will always appreciate your support and remember you! Thanks for everything!
Hi Nancy!
I am taking with me the connection we had, hoping to survive in the typical Fargo wind-chill. I will remember you whenever I will see “a deer in the headlight!’ :D