Cassandra Barney

Before this experience I used to think, "PhD, ya wow, that sounds hard, too much writing and research and doing something no one has done before?!" Now, having lived this close to the experience, I have even more respect for those who accomplish this task. Some universities require more than others, UBC is one of those, with external examiners and a committee of highly respected scholars.

At Dan's dissertation defense, I've never been so proud of him. THAT was tough. He went from shaking before it started to pulling information out of the air. It was seriously amazing. The harder the questions got, the better he did. He was super human.

The most painful part was after he got through his presentation and defended his questions, they sent us (the public was invited to attend) out of the room so the committee could deliberate. We could see them through the glass in the door as they gestured and discussed. Next they called Dan back into the room. We watched from outside, waiting for a smile but it was just more discussing. Finally they opened the doors and introduced Dr. Daniel T. Barney. Luckily, what kept me from crying (all of it being very emotional) was that some of us had Dr. Dan t-shirts on under our tops and so we ripped off our sweaters to reveal our excitement and support just at the right moment. I feel that same excitement every time I remember that he did it, even now a few days later.

This experience reminded me that greatness comes not from luck or by accident, it comes from hard work, sacrifice and pushing yourself beyond what you think you are capable of... and a little luck isn't bad either.

It also reminded me that behind every great person there is a great... actually, a lot of people who believe and love him or her. It was tender for me to see Dan's scholarly friends standing beside him, not in competition, but as support. These are brilliant people who I sometimes can't even understand in conversation over lunch and there they are, laughing and crying with Dan.

Dan arrived a couple of days before me in Vancouver to prepare. He did is mock defense which he said was a train wreck. Then his best bud Juan Castro, put Dan in 'camp Castro' where he reworked his presentation and practiced over and over and over again. Juan was a lifesaver. He's getting ready to defend his own dissertation in a few weeks.

Plus, he bought Dan a whole banana chocolate cream pie, his very favorite Vancouver treat. Dan's advisor Rita Irwin (top photo) was also a great mentor, support and friend to Dan. I feel so much gratitude to her that I'm not sure even what to say. My highest respect is for those who teach and share their knowledge.