Overall, I feel this last week has both been rewarding and life changing. First, as I am trying to make an adjustment and get use to the area, I am finding myself having to plan out my town trails and reading/assignment time with precise effort. In other words, do not wait until the last minute and walk around or even take a bus to somewhere of the unknown. I make an effort everyday to work on my group project assignment, individual project, work towards my independent study for my department, and leave my room to the outside world. I had the privilege to meet my advisor and she is really awesome, I cannot wait to start working with her. I accept the challenge and look forward to the growth.
As far as the reading assignments for this last week, I found them to be a little dry. On the high rise, I did manage to learn a few things about cross-disciplinary research, but I also was reminded how important this type of research and collaboration between fields of study is important and crucial to not only our academic world, but to the social world we live in. I found this statement by MacCleave (2006) interesting, "Cultural negotiation helps to make differences more accessible and understandable rather than creating inflexible or polarized ideological cramps." Having the understanding that there are cultural differences everywhere. On a positive note, just be open to differences, even if you may not be able to relate.
Lastly, to my fellow SPI peeps, I have not had the privileged to have meet all of you, but I hope in the next few weeks we can change that. I love meeting new people and hearing about their interest and life journeys. As for those who I have had the privileged to meet and hang out with, it has been fun and I look forward to continue talking with you more!
Marielisbet,
Better known as Lisa!
This is a space where UIUC SPI participants in the Summer 2013 Research Methods and Writing Seminar engage each other as researchers, intellectuals and members of a cross disciplinary knowledge producing community.
I understand how you feel making an adjustment and I commend you as well as everybody for successfully trying to work through the struggles for the research.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for having the courage to point out the dryness of the readings. I didn't want to be "that guy." I think it's great that you're pushing yourself to explore new things while you're here; it's something that I definitely need to be doing more of.
ReplyDeleteHello Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI am sure that getting used to the area might be a little challenging but is good to know that you are making the effort. I know at first it might be difficult to get used to Champaign/Urbana but once you get to know it, you might love it. I have been in this area for quite a while, I did my undergrad and master's here at UIUC so if you need anything or you want to explore what's beyond campus, let me know, I can definitely show you around.
Maria P.