how many people get to see their dissertation advisor when they are in the field! Not many!

I arrived in Shanghai from Wuhan and spent the night at Judy and Richard Madsen’s place. Richard Madsen has been teaching a class on China and Religion for 1 year at Fudan University. They are moving in two days back to the states - so it worked out perfectly to see richard and give him an upate on my work in Wuhan.

We talked about recent changes in migration. It was amazing to see him after rethinking my dissertation topic. i feel very prepared for Beijing now!

I want to emphasize to everyone how important it is to chose a great dissertation advisor who will support your work and also be an emotional cheerleader through the grad school process. I still don’t know why this damn Phd road can be so intense and unpredictable - it should be relatively luxurious - spend time reading- theorizing - building - but somehow it can be a very stressful time period. Richard - thank you for being the best advisor ever! You always inspire me to see life in a new way.