Hello All,
This has been a crazy weekend for me, even though a huge chunk of my time was devoted to getting my apartment together after a major leak, I was still able to make some progress on my project. The first thing I was able to accomplish was reaching out to people on my campus and in the community in efforts to try to build a team. I sent out a semi-mass email just letting people know what I was doing and giving them information about the course, links to my blog, the course website, and requesting their help. I am still working on responding to each person individually for what I think they could best help me with. It was good to hear how willing everyone was to help out!
Next, I went searching for more in depth information on my topic. So far I have chosen to narrow it down to the Springfield Railroad Consolidation. I came across the project website where I was able to find a plethora of information including the complete plan, financial/budget charts, a PowerPoint presentation and links to points of contact. One of the most valuable resources I found was information on their resource center – they have a center here in town that is open three days a week if anyone wants to get more information. I plan on visiting this week, as well as visiting each railroad crossing on the map and jotting down notes about the area including businesses, and neighborhood demographics. The Resource Center even offers presentations for businesses and community groups – I am considering pairing up with an organization on campus and requesting an informational presentation for UIS.
As of right now, the hardest thing is figuring out how to narrow down my options to choose one specific conflict. This has been a challenge for me because usually in research you let the research define itself. This is definitely different for me because I feel like I have to choose to research something that I already have to know has some sort of resolution to report. I am also conflicted on just how contemporary I want this project to be. I feel like if I do what I really want to do, I will break all the rules for the assignment! I want to do this project interview/documentary style, but I will try not to focus on that so much and use it as an asset. I am really hoping to meet with Professor Saunders soon so that I can learn about permissions when it comes to video and photography. I am also planning to take an online training for the IRB process at my university. I hoping that after this week I will have better defined ideas, and a plan for my project.
Peace & Love,
Abriana
I think that even though you are having issues finding a specific topic, you have a ton of great resources at your disposal. With all of the information you have access to, I’m sure your project will soon define itself. Good luck!!
You know what I really do hope so! I have been anxious about meeting deadlines.
Thanks!
So far, what you are planning seems to be completely in line with the project. Doing this as a documentary on conflict resolution of a contemporary controversy sounds fine!