life after Honours

Well, I guess I can pretty much say that I've graduated. wow, just saying that made me do a double-take in my head haha. Is this real? It's been about 72 hours since I submitted my thesis. I guess I can finally say that it's all over :')

Am eternally grateful to those who took time out to participate in my project and gave me advice along the way, been there and supported me in one way or another. However this turns out (as I've told my friends repeatedly that I'm scared out of my wits), just know that I appreciate it. 

So, where do we go from here? People have been asking me what my plans are from now and what I've been doing these past few days. Honestly, after having been through the most challenging year of my academic life, freedom has never tasted sweeter. Finally having the time to think about whatever I want, read articles that aren't for academic purposes, start a bucket list… But this freedom is also very much short-lived. Been bombarded by questions of what I'm going to do next year (sigh, life). 

Me in the first few hours after submitting my thesis: excited. Jumping around deliriously. Smiling at everything in the world. Laughing at jokes that aren't even funny. It's truly an amazing feeling. 

Me in the first day after submitting my thesis: Dead tired, worn-out. Part of me just wanting to stay home and catch up on sleep, another part of me wanting to run out and catch up with friends. I went to see my supervisor yesterday to return him some books and give him a copy of my thesis and the first thing he said to me was "Jeez, you look tired". Yep, definitely have to catch up on sleep. 

Looking further into the future, I have a number of options to toss up. Guess I'll find out what's best to do after I do a little more research ;)

Change

me looking at a sun dial and trying to figure out how to read it

Well, two days left. Two days until it's all done and dusted. The feeling's kind of started to sink it, because I've begun wrapping up the loose ends and before I know it, it'll be completed - for real. Thinking about all the things I want to do after this project is really rather frightening. Will I be able to finish what I've started? Only one way to find out. 

Definitely looking up, looking forward. :)

nobody said it was easy

When it comes to a point where you're about to pass out, I think that's when you know you've really done it all. Looking forward to chasing sunset, long nights, and many more adventures again.

3 days left. I can't wait. :)

long nights

it's a damn cold night

trying to figure out this life

won't you take me by the hand, take me somewhere new

I don't know who you are but I, 

I'm with you

Photo credit: Bryan

inner strength

the road's not long

stay strong, honey, stay strong

Never be afraid of falling down, just remember to stand up again every single time.

#findingstrength #7daysleft

What's your thesis about?!

So if you've been reading my blog, you'd notice me mention more than a handful of times about this thesis I'm working on. Everytime someone asks me what I've been up to, my standard response has become "working on my thesis". And well, you're also probably wondering what this thesis is all about and what I'm spending all my time on. In a nutshell, here goes:

My thesis attempts to understand the way individual identities relate to commercial identities on Facebook. This was explored through a series of qualitative interviews, examining the way these individuals utilise their accounts, as well as their attitude towards commercial uses of Facebook. In the process, I adopt a sociological perspective through understanding the way these online identities are being constructed and perceived. I argue that these identities are shaped by the way we view our selves and other entities on the platform, as well as the way we interact with each other and shape the behavioural cues on the platform. This is enhanced by the divide between public and private, as commercial companies are largely considered public entities. Therefore, this merge between individual and commercial identity is problematic to the binary of public and private. 

The aim of my thesis is therefore to explore the way technology mediates the relationship between individual and commercial identities, as well as the way conventional conceptions of the public and private divide are being challenged. 

Hopefully that nicely sums up what my project is about ;-) 

Questions, comments, sound off below! 

Bryan's 21st

So Bryan's long-awaited much-planned Shanghai 1920's Jazz-themed party happened last night… And what a night it was! Arrived early to help him set up the decor for the place; I have to say those hanging red lanterns and oriental jazz music really helped set the mood for the party. 

Around 7pm, guests started sauntering into the event space with their glitzy old Shanghai-inspired attire. I have to say the best outfits were those who went all out in cheongsams (for the ladies) and suspenders (for the guys), which made for an even classier atmosphere. 

It was definitely one of the best parties I've been to and I'm glad to see that the birthday boy thoroughly enjoyed himself and everyone else had fun as we partied late into the night. 

By midnight, only a handful of us city peeps were left and we helped to pack up and bring the cake and material home.

//will update further when I get ahold of some photos :)

For now, back to the thesis! 

#14daysleft #nowornever