Congratulations on your upcoming graduation, DS! You should be very proud. My husband got his MS the same way, and it was a tough and torturous process, but well worth it.

Networking is hard for EVERYone, but you're right. The more you do it, the more at ease you will be in crowds.

Ubaldo IS a great name! The only other name I've heard that comes close is Irma Aklu. I have no idea who poor Irma was, but I saw her obituary in the paper years ago and her name has stuck with me.