Dave gently reminded us about our self evaluation responsibility within the prep course today and it caused me to take a moment and ponder on how I'm progressing thus far in the course. With my goal for better health preparation that I created for myself I'm doing so-so but I could increase my amount of exercise but I'm doing well at adding starchy vegetables to my diet. I've even collected a Ghanaian recipe to try out from a friend.
However, what I really want to share is in regards to my goal to become more flexible and to allow myself to redefine my goals and edit the guts out of my proposal if I have to until it reflects exactly what I want out of my field study experience. Well, I just had a challenge to my stubbornness.
I just spent all my free time over the long weekend and over the past two days writing my 1st draft for my proposal. When I finally got everything down on paper I was thrilled! But as I browsed through current and past field study blogs my wheels began turning again. I took another look at my proposal and felt I needed to make A LOT of changes, starting with my intent. Which in turn will ripple into A LOT of changes to the rest of my proposal. I was stubborn at first. I tried every way possible to fit my new vision for my project into the words I had already written but then I reminded myself, (in my head "mind" you)
"Heather, you said you would allow for redefinition of yourself. You accepted the fact you would probably change your idea and intent. You committed yourself to taking delight in the journey through uncertainty. You recognized the necessity of making changes to assure your field study is everything you want it to be. You have to be flexible!"
Then I gave myself a one second party..."OH YEAH!" A rejuvenating walk with my roommate, and then went to work on my "Statement of Intent." I am pleased with the work I've accomplished on it tonight and will continue to fit the rest of my proposal to it tomorrow.
and then maybe in the future...I'll arrange it all again. I think I could allow for that.
Showing posts with label realisitc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label realisitc. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Being Realistic
One of my goals for this preparation course is to set realistic goals and create a realistic schedule for myself while I am Ghana. This is because in the past I have tended to set high expectations when setting plans and then end up disappointing myself because my goals were unachievable. I want to work hard in Ghana and have challenging goals but I want to be sure I can accomplish them.
As I've created my project design I have really had to consider what my abilities and limitations will be in Ghana. The language and my lack of experience in field research being my main limitations I have decided that I'm going to recruit a small sample of informants. This will help me really get to know my informants and give me time to really formulate the questions I ask in my interview based on their different personalities and situations. I think this goal is more realistic than the large number of informants I saw myself interviewing at the beginning of this project.
I think another limitation will be my knowledge of African Dance movement. I have taken workshops and classes in different styles of African dance but cannot recall once taking a class specifically on the Asante or Ghanaian style. So I may not just pick up the dance movement as quickly as I would in my regular modern or ballet technique class. With this limitation in mind I think it would be realistic for me to set a goal of learning 11 (that's my favorite number) different dances. If I get to learn more that will be fantastic! But I think 11 is a realistic goal that I can feel proud of in the end.
I believe I am very blessed with some strengths that will help me really enjoy my field study. I believe my flexibility, pragmatic attitude, optimism and energy will keep me hopeful and allow me to accomplish all my goals despite these limitations. I love working with people and finding creative solutions to different problems. I think this skill set will help me build rapport and enjoy my social and living experience in Wiamoase. I know there will be challenges but I can deal with them and always work towards my goals. And I am allowed to redefine my goals if I arrive there and discover they were not as realistic as I thought. I believe if I set measurable and realistic goals I will enjoy my experience more and be proud of my work done in Ghana.
As I've created my project design I have really had to consider what my abilities and limitations will be in Ghana. The language and my lack of experience in field research being my main limitations I have decided that I'm going to recruit a small sample of informants. This will help me really get to know my informants and give me time to really formulate the questions I ask in my interview based on their different personalities and situations. I think this goal is more realistic than the large number of informants I saw myself interviewing at the beginning of this project.
I think another limitation will be my knowledge of African Dance movement. I have taken workshops and classes in different styles of African dance but cannot recall once taking a class specifically on the Asante or Ghanaian style. So I may not just pick up the dance movement as quickly as I would in my regular modern or ballet technique class. With this limitation in mind I think it would be realistic for me to set a goal of learning 11 (that's my favorite number) different dances. If I get to learn more that will be fantastic! But I think 11 is a realistic goal that I can feel proud of in the end.
I believe I am very blessed with some strengths that will help me really enjoy my field study. I believe my flexibility, pragmatic attitude, optimism and energy will keep me hopeful and allow me to accomplish all my goals despite these limitations. I love working with people and finding creative solutions to different problems. I think this skill set will help me build rapport and enjoy my social and living experience in Wiamoase. I know there will be challenges but I can deal with them and always work towards my goals. And I am allowed to redefine my goals if I arrive there and discover they were not as realistic as I thought. I believe if I set measurable and realistic goals I will enjoy my experience more and be proud of my work done in Ghana.
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