The Ups and Downs in the R&W Family

My family is investigating how microfinance can be applied in the United States. This is important because there are a lot of poor communities that are targeted by predatory lending institutions leaving few sound financial options for low-income populations.  

Integrating our different disciplines has been challenging. As we were unfamiliar with each other's research, developing a topic was difficult. We also had difficulty learning how each of us would approach the topic. After a few weeks now, however, I think we have a better understanding of how we will contribute to the project. 

This process has been rewarding because although my family has had some cohesiveness issues, I think we are reaching common understandings. Participating in this project has also reminded me of how passionate researchers are. Conducting research inconsistent with our interests (passions) makes harmonizing our disciplines difficult. If I choose to conduct IDR in the future, however, the integration of perspectives may come more naturally. 

Overall, I think my family is on the right track. We may have some issues, but what family doesn't?