My department does not require a dissertation defense, and so all I had to do was email my department's Graduate Administrator a giant .docx file for him to upload into the library's database. With my signature--and those of my committee, of course--I officially became Dr. Oren.*

*The Dean went home early that Friday, technically leaving me in candidate limbo until Monday, April 10.

The past month has been surreal. It's been a relief to finally get a break from the dissertation, and I've used the time to read novels, catch up on some personal writing projects, and spend quality time with friends. One dear friend even made my day by calling me from the office to catch up--when I asked how he was able to take a personal call at the office, he said he wrote "Conversation with Dr. Oren" on his calendar. Days later, and I'm still tickled by the story.

I'm still unsure about what I'll be doing, professionally, after the summer. What I can report is that I will be co-editing the blog of the Urban History Association, The Metropole, and publishing more content here on my personal blog. I have some exciting posts coming up on both sites, so stay tuned.

Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout graduate school and the dissertation. I could not have done it without your generosity, affirmation, and love.