Fall semester went by so quickly- this seems to be the theme in my life, everything flying by before I even realize it. I had a great time though spending my last lovely fall at William and Mary and made great progress in my research as well. As of now I have received a good number of responses to my survey, which I have analyzed in brief. I will be collecting the remainder of my data through interviews this semester. The results so far compel me to keep going. There is a need for the work I am doing. I hope that in this new year I can continue in my journey to bring clarity to an issue close to my heart in this field, especially as I anxiously await responses from grad schools concerning my future prospects. I take the warm weather of this winter as a good sign.
Senior Year Honors Thesis Grind, Commence!
Who ever said senior year was supposed to be easy? Classes have been in session for just over a month now and things only seem to be speeding up. The brief hurrication thanks to Ms. Irene couldn’t even do much to slow down the whirlwind of obligations that the fall semester brings. Conducting honors research while taking classes, working, applying to graduate school, and balancing a number of other extracurricular activities is a challenge, to be sure. It is a constant test of time management, and also discipline because “honors” doesn’t have an official class time. In order to help myself stay focused I dedicate a solid 9 hours a week in office time (Linguistics lab: Tyler 220 Tue, Wed, Thurs day from 2-5; come visit!). Being in a room helps with the focus, I’ve found. I’m also working to hold myself to write at least 2 pages towards my honors research weekly by Monday, which I send off to my advisor for her input. These steps will make the whole process much easier in the long run
Validation!
There is perhaps nothing more affirming in the research process than to know that what you are working on and spending countless hours poring over is valid and needed. I received a healthy dose of this feeling today upon hearing that the American Speech and Hearing association has put out an article for review entitled, “Professional Issues Statement: The Clinical Education of Students with Accents.” I literally almost exploded with joy because this is PERFECTLY along the lines of what I am looking at in my own research. In fact the article addresses many of the issues that I myself have been questioning and seeking to answer.
Updates!!
It has been a little over a month now since I have arrived on the campus of William and Mary and started working on my honors thesis research. The research process at William and Mary during these summer months I have found to be a lot different from the hustle and bustle of school during the year. That’s not to say that there isn’t and hustle now- there’s a lot of it, but it’s a much more calm hustle that what I’m used to. I really do love it here during the summer. The campus is pretty quiet except for other research students, classmates getting ahead in summer school, and the construction at various parts of the campus. I have enjoyed going outside of Tyler, my main research point, ever so often and sitting on the benches while I simultaneously take notes and take in the beauty and serenity around me. Being here in the summer is such a plus. I am not taking classes or working so I have plenty of time to research and also lots of time to start on my GRE prep. For anyone who is interested, I highly suggest Kaplan Prep if you are in need of some extra help:
Brief Greetings.
Hello! My name is Kenay Sudler. I am a rising senior at the college double majoring in Linguistics and Psychology.