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A big, black fluffy gown does wonders to conceal the 5-month bump.

When I graduated with my Ph.D. from UCLA five years ago, I was five months pregnant with my daughter. It was a joyous occasion marking the completion of my dissertation as well as rigorous doctoral-level course work. I was exhausted. And not just because I had already topped the physician-recommended total pregnancy weight gain by my second trimester. Finishing that program, earning that degree was the fulfillment of a dream.

I had to ask myself, NOW what?

Because I would give birth during the fall quarter, I could not take on any more part-time teaching for the university. I would teach through the summer and then stop.

I'll never forget the last day of summer school. I sat under a cool tree, sipping an icy drink and flipping through my date book. The pages were alarmingly EMPTY. It was the first time since high school that my life was not planned down to the last minute (yes, I am a little obsessive-compulsive).

I have to admit I was a little scared.

I saw the same look on my students' faces yesterday at my university's graduation.

What NEXT?

While students seemed relieved that their schooling was over, there was also that look of panic. NOW what?

I say, embrace the uncertainty! It is a motto that will come in handy when you become a parent.

A motto that is easier to say than to actually do.

But, think about it: you never know what is just around the corner . . . .