The Dissertation Committee for Judith L - The University of Texas at ...

some sort between New Braunfels and another community. He suggested the idea of
comparing New Braunfels to San Marcos. Before he could explain the significance of
something like this, I knew this would be an important study. He told me that since both
towns existed in nearly identical physical locations, here was an opportunity to study
culture in a “laboratory type” environment. Again I felt the same type of jubilation that I
had that day years ago when I first read German Seed in Texas Soil. I conducted
preliminary research to see if there was enough data and other materials to warrant a
larger search. I typed up my results in a small paper and gave it to Terry to read. He
returned it saying the project “as previously indicated, has considerable promise,” it was
dissertation material and he would be glad to be my doctoral advisor.
Over the course of the next several years I slowly conducted research and began
the writing process. The process was slow because of one thing that happened to two
very important men in my life: cancer. Terry was first diagnosed with cancer in the
spring of 2001 and months later, my husband Tobin was also diagnosed with the dreaded
disease. In between Terry’s and Tobin’s healthy periods, I worked diligently to get this
dissertation done. All along the way they both encouraged me to finish, especially at
times when I so wanted to give it all up. Terry’s wife, geographer Bella Bychkova-
Jordan, was also a great source of strength and inspiration through this time as she
finished her dissertation under very similar circumstances.
From the spring of 2001 to the spring of 2003 I had only managed to write two
chapters. Finally in the summer of 2003 cancer took a back seat while I finished the
writing process. The summer of 2003 I will never forget. I poured over my research and
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