So I'm a Dr. Who fan. Also Star Trek, all of the series from the original to the latest, and excited about the new one in production. I think what appeals to me in both fictional and futuristic universes is the hope, and the celebration of humanity as a beautiful, wonderful, meaningful force for good.
I successfully defended my dissertation, and have completed all requirements for the Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Creighton University--with conferral scheduled at the end of this term, in August. So, while it is not exactly what my dear mother had in mind when she said she wanted me to be a doctor (she expected an M.D.) for the whole of my childhood, well, I guess I'm a "doctor," at last.
I taught my wife to be my straight man for the schtick:
ME: Yeah, so now I'm just waiting for them to send my TARDIS.
SHE: Honey, I don't think you are THAT kind of a doctor.
ME: Wait, what? (expression of shock and dismay)
Unfortunately most of our friends do not share our affinity for Dr. Who, and are merely puzzled by what I think is patently amusing. It loses impact with explanation, "See, the doctor, he is just called the doctor, but is a time lord, and travels through time and space in a phone box that is bigger on the inside, and I'm acting like I thought all this time if I were a doctor that I too would get a TARDIS--that's what they call the device--and be able to travel through time and space, and go around making a difference..."
Well, as I think about it, I am traveling through time and space (though on a humbler trajectory), and I do aim to make a difference--and use my doctoral studies in the process. And, I do maintain optimism and hope for humanity, and a belief in its intrinsic good.
I'm still waiting for them to send my TARDIS, though.
