Professional validation

So, remember back in February (well, of course you don't, but I'm about to remind you) when I completely flaked on a conference paper deadline? And had to rush to get it in, just minutes before the deadline?

Well, I guess that paper was much better than I originally thought, because I just got word that it was accepted! The web page with the reviews is down right now, so I haven't had a chance to read them....but who cares! Acceptances are good! Because conference papers = lines on the CV = one step closer to tenure, hopefully.

I am so excited about this. First, because for the past few days, while awaiting the reviews, I was strangely hopeful. I had a good feeling about the paper, for no particular reason. Maybe it's because I've gotten some really positive feedback about this work from others outside my institution? Maybe because I'm finally seeing how all the disjointed pieces of my work are starting to fall into place? Who knows? Second, because this is the first paper in which I am the "senior" author. Even though I am generally the first author on papers that I write, my co-authors have always been more senior colleages (my thesis advisor, a person higher up the food chain, etc). This is the first paper on which I am the "big name". So this is a huge ego boost for me.

My co-author on this paper is an undergraduate, who worked with me last summer and fall on the stuff that's discussed in the paper. At the time, he mentioned that he would love to be published before he graduated---he's headed to grad school next year, and publishing is already on his mind. So I'm sure that he is beyond excited right now.

Great news for a Saturday!