I've been doing discreet tracking of your academic progress so far and am pleased to say that many of you, by your industry, gratitude, sincerity and intelligence, have brought a smile to my days. Some encounters to share:
1. Several external partners / professionals whom you interviewed have given me feedback that they are deeply impressed by the amount of preparation you did before meeting them. Often they are heartened by your analytical approach to discussions and above all, by your sense of warmth, intelligence and decorum. A few of you were even given free luncheons by them! Record these moments on picture. They will bring special meaning long after your journey is over. By the way, many of them also commented they find you 'really cute...' It wasn't said with ambivalent intent but with genuine affection for your inimitable personalities & research endeavour. 
2. Another group (ahem...a great soul in 6G) which unearthed solid secondary resources of his own for his group has asked me to share these materials with similar groups in greater need. It says alot about the values he lives by. I looked at this student from afar and know he will go even further in life. 
3. Majority of groups are burning the midnight or 'late afternoon oil' to get their first draft in tip-top condition. I may not be always right but I also sense some groups are giving each other the mutual support everyone needs. The redrafts, stress, arguments and planning shared bear testimony to your capability to thrive in a working or professional environment in future where you will not always work with people you prefer. I acknowledge it is not always easy. Still, there is a quiet light beaming inside your lives amidst the templates, data, deadlines and the like. You'll have a chance to surface these imprints in a specially-tailored tutorial soon.
4. Some organisations have requested that you provide a transcript of the interview process. They have a right to do so as they do not wish to be misquoted. Do follow up. Beyond the all-important 'Thank-You' note, I would also like you to pass you to pass them a copy of your WR (CD rom?) once your mission is accomplished. Sadly, many still perceive PW as a touch-and -go subject full of armchair theorizing at work. Do correct this misconception. Others request for your report because they too believe in your task. Beyond the formal academic domain of this subject is a possibility that what you do may just be able to alter the environment or forward a cause in something that will benefit other lives. I believe in this cause. We walk the talk.
5. A handful have also received mild doses of sarcasm or the cold shoulder from respondents and interviewees. All this is part of real-world research. Do not be discouraged. Update me should you feel that your sources are 'drying up.' It is not the end of the road. No promises but I will see what I can do to help with my limited network. I encountered several obstacles in my research work as a undergrad and graduate student as well. I look forward to sharing these moments with you when time permits. I know what it's like to be there. I wish I had a group to lean on.
You need not look too far for yours'.Beyond the WR, I want to say I am proud of your inner journey.
Keep at it. Don't lose heart.
Auspicium Melioris Aevi
No comments:
Post a Comment