DR. PAUL - Thank you for the wonderful comment you posted on 11/15. I am not just saying this because I have to be nice to you so you don't fail me :), but I have learned a great deal from you. I have a lot of respect for you and your commitment to education. I don't think that I would have had the same type of relationship with any other professor in the program. You have been very patient with me while I have been pulling my hair out these past 15 months. I am assuming that you have found a new love - QUALITATIVE RESEARCH. :) I know that we will always be in contact, so you don't have to worry about failing me to stick around.
So, I am down to one in-depth interview with a graduate student, as opposed to three. One was a no-show last night, and the other showed up, but was not engaged in the interview. I was getting a bit "over-concerned" (Dr. P's remark) with my student participants. So, what I have learned from Dr. Paul is "don't worry so much about the [number of participants]. Bottom line is what useful information you obtained AND what sensible recommendations and conclusions you are able to draw that are based on your data". This is something to always keep in mind when collecting data.
OK - this was short and sweet today. I just wanted to dedicate this post to Dr. Paul - the best professor in the world!
Until next time!
P.S. I wish I had a camera to throw my hand in front of it! :)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Alas! I just finished transcribing the last interview. Well, I have three more interviews to conduct, but I did finish transcribing all of the interviews I have already conducted. I have to admit, I have been procrastinating on the transcribing piece. I just think it is very unproductive. All right, it does have some benefit to it - I can REALLY listen to what the interviewees are saying during the interviews. So, I have seven faculty members, six industry professionals, three focus groups with students, and three in-depth interviews with students. Collecting these data are the fun part - I get to meet new faculty and students, and listen to their perspective of the American dream. I also get the opportunity to spend some time with my colleagues, and understand their perspective of the corporate America. So, I collect all of these data (interviews/focus groups), and then transcribe (what a pain in my ass), and now I will be writing my results section of my dissertation, writing the results - easy! Well see!
Well, I am down to three more weeks of class. I can't believe the coursework is almost over. It will be nice to put away the books for classes and concentrate on just my dissertation.
I have been home all week, working on finishing up the transcriptions, but I have not had the opportunity to spend time working on my dissertation. I have to admit, I took some time to shop and watch movies. I was ready to crack - seriously. I think I have been pushed beyond what my brain can take - NO MORE INFORMATION!!! I just wanted to sit and veg out. I can't remember the last time I did that.
Yesterday was turkey day, and dammit, I gained four pounds. WOW - first time in months, but it was well worth it. You would have thought that I have not eaten in a year. I actually did not eat much normal food (turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, etc) - I ate so many damn crackers with cheese and pepperoni. I have not had those things in more than 6 months...I went a little overboard. Now, I feel like crap. My stomach has been bothering me all day. I did workout on the elliptical machine for an hour. OK...I need to work out for 10 hours to burn off all the calories from yesterday - no joke! As I am writing this, there are cookies, cakes and pumpkin rolls staring at me. I need to throw them away - I can't take it anymore. My jeans feel tight and my belly is hanging over. NICE!
The weekend just started, and I have a ton of stuff due for my class this Thursday. Did I mention that I can't wait until this class is over? I think I have senior-itis. I just don't want to be there - I just want to finish my dissertation.
OK - somebody asked me the other day if I regret going into this program. Now that I am almost finished with the program, NO. I have no regrets, but I would never do it again, and I probably would not recommend it to someone who works full time. It has been the best and worst experience. The best because I have learned a great deal of knowledge, worked with some of the best professors - Dr. Paul is my favorite, and I get to engage in many opportunities that I will enjoy when I graduate. The worst because I have been unable to seriously relax in three years, haven't been able to see my friends when I really wanted to, and gained a lot of grey hair and wrinkles - seriously. It is amazing what stress will do to you. :) Anyway, I know that we have to go through the coursework and dissertation to be able to be credible in our field of interest, but sometimes I wish I could skip all that and just jump into it.
Well - I think I am going to paint now. I painted a beautiful canvas for my bathroom....It is my favorite yet. Not bragging here because I have never enrolled in a painting course or art class, but it is my own masterpiece. I am sure Jim doesn't like to see my art on the walls, but I just think it builds character in the home.
Until next time!
Well, I am down to three more weeks of class. I can't believe the coursework is almost over. It will be nice to put away the books for classes and concentrate on just my dissertation.
I have been home all week, working on finishing up the transcriptions, but I have not had the opportunity to spend time working on my dissertation. I have to admit, I took some time to shop and watch movies. I was ready to crack - seriously. I think I have been pushed beyond what my brain can take - NO MORE INFORMATION!!! I just wanted to sit and veg out. I can't remember the last time I did that.
Yesterday was turkey day, and dammit, I gained four pounds. WOW - first time in months, but it was well worth it. You would have thought that I have not eaten in a year. I actually did not eat much normal food (turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, etc) - I ate so many damn crackers with cheese and pepperoni. I have not had those things in more than 6 months...I went a little overboard. Now, I feel like crap. My stomach has been bothering me all day. I did workout on the elliptical machine for an hour. OK...I need to work out for 10 hours to burn off all the calories from yesterday - no joke! As I am writing this, there are cookies, cakes and pumpkin rolls staring at me. I need to throw them away - I can't take it anymore. My jeans feel tight and my belly is hanging over. NICE!
The weekend just started, and I have a ton of stuff due for my class this Thursday. Did I mention that I can't wait until this class is over? I think I have senior-itis. I just don't want to be there - I just want to finish my dissertation.
OK - somebody asked me the other day if I regret going into this program. Now that I am almost finished with the program, NO. I have no regrets, but I would never do it again, and I probably would not recommend it to someone who works full time. It has been the best and worst experience. The best because I have learned a great deal of knowledge, worked with some of the best professors - Dr. Paul is my favorite, and I get to engage in many opportunities that I will enjoy when I graduate. The worst because I have been unable to seriously relax in three years, haven't been able to see my friends when I really wanted to, and gained a lot of grey hair and wrinkles - seriously. It is amazing what stress will do to you. :) Anyway, I know that we have to go through the coursework and dissertation to be able to be credible in our field of interest, but sometimes I wish I could skip all that and just jump into it.
Well - I think I am going to paint now. I painted a beautiful canvas for my bathroom....It is my favorite yet. Not bragging here because I have never enrolled in a painting course or art class, but it is my own masterpiece. I am sure Jim doesn't like to see my art on the walls, but I just think it builds character in the home.
Until next time!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
WOW - I have been really busy and have not had the time to write (at least not in my blog). These last few weeks have been extremely challenging! In one week, I worked my normal 40+ hours at my day job, conducted two focus groups, presented "leadership" training in two undergraduate classes, and interviewed one faculty and one industry professional. I was exhausted by the end of the week.
I have all of my faculty interviews complete, and one more industry professional to interview tomorrow. As for the focus groups, I have three, and trying to get a fourth. I am really excited to start analyzing the data.
Thank goodness I am off from work all next week - I am ready to crack!!!
I have five weeks left in my Writing for Publication class, and I am FINISHED with coursework!!!!!! On December 13, I am planning on ending the evening after class with a few drinks to celebrate. I am hoping to call a cab to take me home, for I probably won't be able to walk. Two and one half years of courses.....DONE!
OH - I forgot. I love hiking! Here is a picture of me right before I wiped out on a rock covered with moss...the white jacket I am wearing, is no longer white. My friend happened to take this picture while I was talking - nice! Although I thought I broke my arm when I fell and I was in a lot of pain, it was well worth it. I feel like I am "one with nature" when I am in the woods. Great stress reliever!
Until next time!
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