All’s well that ends well. And even though this is just the beginning, my admission to km 0 of a very long road, at least I succeeded at my first checkpoint.

The session lasted for two hours. I managed to comply with the 20-minute limit for my presentation and all the rest was spend arguing with the jury, a fantastic chance to receive input, suggestions and contributions to improve my work and explore different paths.

At the end, I was very happy with my grade and looking forward to continue with my research. Some days are just great!

I’ve been trying to have things sorted out on time for tomorrow, but I guess I’ll only call it a day once I’m asked to start my presentation. For now:

• Power-point presentation: too long, there’s a long night ahead;
• Mock presentation: tried, but must do it with the right number of slides;
• Summary report: check!
• Discussion plan: check! It has framing questions, trained answers, rebutalls & justification brainstorming, and a presentation checklist with everything I’ll need, from cables to suit to water to watch to everything!
• Readings about Viva preparation: been there, done that, bought the soundtrack.

See you in a couple of hours. If I survive, obviously.