So, it has been almost of month that I've posted anything. Where do I start???
Well, it hasn't been an easy month. I've had to learn about individuals who are egocentric and Eurocentric. I have had to learn how to play the graduate school game and learn all about lovely politics. (It's great, isn't it?!) I've had to read a lot of interesting stuff and yet again think of a million directions to go in for my dissertation project. I've met a shady character that made me go hmmmm! So, I'll discuss of these new developments briefly.
So, there are a couple of individuals in my department that really make me wonder. I've had several people ask me why I am a friend to one of these young ladies. There are things she has said in the past that are rather questionable. Racist really, but I think she is truly ignorant to this, which is difficult. So, she is Eurocentric in her assumptions which is disturbing to me as a minority. But, as if that isn't bad, our discipline requires to be culturally cognizant and aware. So, I'm not sure what all of that is about. In addition, she's lazy. I think she expects people to help her out for nothing, and that is crazy. One of my mentors told me that she asked her for contact information but only gave her a name to someone who might help. This mentor was suspicious that her project sounded oddly familiar - like mine! So, she refrained from giving her too much information. This is a dilemma for me because I do consider her a friend. Should I talk to her about her annoying habits or not? To do, or not to do, that is the question! I'm not sure it is worth it, because she seems clueless. So, I'll just look good in the meantime.
I have another friend who recently has a life change (marriage) and she has checked out! She doesn't really do much work according to reliable sources and she's just so enamored with the idea of being married that this institution has become her world. She was just complaining to me about her deadlines to get everything done. Will she cross the finish line? Doubtful. But, not my problem, so moving on...
Departmental politics - what an interesting dynamic. I experienced this briefly as I was building my dissertation committee recently. Let's just say that I learned that it is more important that the ethos of all the committee members should match up with each other to avoid conflict and that about 1% of the process is about you! As of yesterday, if I have any issues with my committee, it should be minimal. I was very careful and my advisor helped me with this process.
Reading more about my topic did not do anything for me yet. I haven't nailed anything down yet, so I've decided to read more broadly and hopefully things crystalize sooner than later.
Lastly, I volunteered at a function and it was interesting to find out that a student from a different state is using this area as her field site. She lived her before but decided to come back for reasons that were someone what surprising, but I won't elaborate on that point. I thought it was both interesting and awkward at how anxious that individual wanted to be my friend. It was strange really. Since I attract really needy people, I decided to get some background information on her. I was warned to be cautious. We will see what develops in that scenario. Hopefully not much.
So, that's this past month in a nutshell. I'll try to write once a week!
