At the beginning of this year, I took a personality test.
I wasn’t at all surprised to find out that my type is mediator.
Never expect me to side with you. I’m always on the other side, and when I am on the other side, I’m with you.
Like all good personality tests, the website included a section called “Mediators You May Know.”
I was surprised to find J.R.R. Tolkien, Frodo Baggins, and Arwen on the list. I was also excited, because The Lord of Rings was on my professor’s syllabus, which meant I would read the novels in a few months. (I had seen the movies, but it had been a long time)
Little did I know that Arwen isn’t even in the books. I mean, she exists, but her role is minor. Therefore, I could not identify with her character.
I also didn’t feel very Frodo-esque while reading. He’s more mission-minded than I am. It’s also hard to tell what’s him and what’s the Ring.
Finally, one can only assume so much about Tolkien by simply reading what he writes. Although, I am now interested in reading his biography to see if I can spot any similarities.
It wasn’t until The Two Towers that I finally discovered the character most like me:
Treebeard.
I am not altogether on anybody’s side, because nobody is altogether on my side . . .
I’m also not very hasty. 😉
But by the very end of The Return of the King, I finally observed a bit of Frodo in me. It’s the way he suffers silently. Although I’ve never carried a burden so great, I typically struggle alone. I won’t share what afflicts me until I’ve reached the other side.
**
I also have a final thesis update for you all.
I FINISHED.
Yesterday, I graduated and earned my M.A. in English.
Again, I feel similar to Frodo. The Ring is destroyed. My academic quest accomplished, but I feel quite sad. An age ends, but I know a new one begins.
I’m excited to get back into blogging. While writing my thesis, I abandoned my blogging schedule, but now I’m ready to get back on track. To start, I’ll be posting new content every Friday. 🙂
Thank you all for being patient with me and lending me your support.
Happy Friday!
💜 T. Shaw
Congratulations! What a fantastic accomplishment!
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Thank you, Ashley! I know you are familiar with the journey. ❤
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Congratulations for your graduation 🎓 🎊
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Thank you Tracy!
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Congratulations and welcome back to the wonderful world of blog, T!
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Thanks Denny! Glad to be back!
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I’ll be sam.
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Never mind. I don’t know if I could be sam. Maybe Gimli is better for me.
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Haha! Yes, Gimli seems like a better fit. 🙂
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Congratulations on your Masters! Great going! 🙂
–Michael
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Thank you, Michael! You’re always ready with an encouraging word. 🙂
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Congratulation! I graduated exactly a year ago from M.A. in English. Welcome to the other side!
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Haha thank you! 🤗 its a new adventure for sure. 🙂
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Plus we need to call you “Master T” now
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😂😂😂 yes, please!
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Congratulations, T.Shaw!!!!! *\(^O^)/* You’ve worked hard. Hoping for the best for you. ^^ I’m currently having the most difficult time figuring out what I want to do with myself. If you don’t mind me asking, how did you know what you wanted to study in English? I graduated with a BA in English and am thinking about getting my masters degree, but I don’t know what to study. I don’t think I’ll even go back into English. I might start all over in a whole different field.
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Thank you! I can definitely relate to not knowing what to do/study. I took a myriad of classes during my time at community college. It was there, when I took my first literature class, that I discovered my love for English, but I didn’t declare my major until time totally ran out. When I transferred to a four year, I also minored in American Studies (just for fun 😉). Normally, my curiosity leads me, but I’d also say that getting a masters degree is obviously expensive. I think it’s important to count the costs before starting a big “project.” Hope that helps some! 💜
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Thank you, and yes, it does! 🙂
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😉
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I love this! What a great metaphor for your own journey! You have accomplished so much! The end of a journey is a little sad but you’ve got new adventures ahead of you!
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Yes! I loved that I ended the program with LOTR. 🙂 very true! I am excited for this new season.
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Congratulations on your MA!!
I did a similar personality test. I am a good thinker and team player but I am absolutely terrible as the completer/finisher, which means I never finish what I…..
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😂😂😂😂😂😂 oh my gosh…
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Great insight here! Love this article–I’ve never checked mine, but who knows. 😛
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