Now for some serious talk. I am progressing well in my research. I have slowly but surely started noticing certain commonalities and themes in what my interviewees are saying. I think I know which way this is going and I think I know what I can do with the data I am gathering for my analysis and interpretation. Numbers wise, I am currently at 43 and have two interviews scheduled for today and two for tomorrow so far with perhaps two more working out.
With this research, I am actually learning how absolutely wonderful of a job I currently have. Despite the minor setbacks with interviewees attitudes and no-shows, I cannot believe what a tremendous learning experience this is turning out to be. Surely I knew it was going to an educating experience and I certainly expected to learn but the actual learning I am getting is so much more than what can be put into words. This has been a journey of self growth and development almost as if the on field data collection was an excuse for my learning. The greatest pleasure I have in life now is derived from the fact that indeed, just as I had envisioned, I am able to use my Western education and training to understand the lives and experiences of people of my own country. How fortunate am I! The stories the women tell me, about their lives, about their careers have been inspirational. On a number of occasions, when my interviewees shared the moments of their lives few have been privy to, I have had to pinch myself underneath the table – not because I couldn’t believe what they said or that I needed to stay awake but because I didn’t want to cry and however lame it may sound, I pinched myself so I could contain the tears slowly starting to swell up in my eyes. I have such a greater respect for women and our lives now. It’s amazing how life’s different situations teach you so many unexpected things.
I have been humbled by my experiences and I feel so truly blessed to have had the opportunities I did to do what I am doing now. All the people in my life, all the situations have been there for a reason and I am glad I took most of the lessons they were there to teach me. I certainly hope to do a great job with my research and contribute to my discipline and make my professors proud. Beyond that however, selfishly speaking, it has been an introspective journey – a journey that continues…
Filed under: In the field | Tagged: research
