You know, I really struggled with being able to fully articulate my interests in this program. After receiving feedback from Rory, I was forced to sit down and really think about my own mission and how it is ultimately complimentary but distinctive from the the goals of Special Collections and Archives. I re-examined my entire thought process and totally reworked the basis for my groundwork paper. After many painful hours of sorting through my brain, I was finally able to connect what it is I want to do in all aspects of my life, with the work in the archives just being a small part. It was frustrating and uncomfortable at first, but man, have I missed some serious “bigger picture” issues!! The portion I posted below is the introductory paragraph to my groundwork paper. All the dots are finally beginning to become connected:
In being able to fully determine what is most important to me, I first had to examine the topics of interest that resonate with my past experiences, are applicable to my present interactions, and have the ability to motivate me towards future endeavors. One specific subject, above all others, emerged as a vein through which I assign meaning to all other facets of my life. I am infinitely concerned and personally invested in the means by which people are able to experience an exchange of information – the outlets that people utilize in order to convey a message, share a thought, or foster collective dialogue through cultural representation. As I am gradually beginning to realize, the core of my work centers itself predominately within the realm of media outlets that warrant such exchanges. This notion has led to a detailed examination of media types through forms of communication such as the written/printed word, auditory devices, visual images or symbols, physical presentations of objects or artifacts, face to face discussion, or the implementation of virtual, interactive, digital sources. The focal point of my own research centers on the “struggles over social meanings that play out through media and popular culture forms…[focusing on] the processes through which individuals and groups negotiate, articulate, change, and disseminate these meanings” (Mahon, 2000, p. 468). Upon reflecting on this concept, I recognize that it is not only directly built upon the framework created during my undergraduate major in Communications and Media Studies, but also correlated with my involvement within Special Collections and Archives. The idea of further investigating this common thread proves to be both exciting and substantially promising in my ability to fully assert myself in this specific program and otherwise.
__
The citation was from the reference I posted below. It proved to be incredibly helpful in my research.
Mahon, Maureen. 2000. The visible evidence of cultural producers. Annual Review of Anthropology 29, : 467-92.
Hi Lara, I was inspired by your post — the way you articulated your effort to integrate your study in media and communications with your life. It is hard and complicated work, you are right. But you seem to be on the right path with this program and really doing well. Way to go. Z
By: david zurawik on July 31, 2010
at 5:27 pm
Thanks, Prof. Z! As you can probably tell from my blog, I found quite a bit of inspiration from your Pop Culture class. Yes, I feel like I have finally found exactly where I’m meant to be. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I’m getting there! I feel that my background in Communication and Media Studies has created a tremendous framework for my future endeavors and life in general. I am so grateful for that. Thanks again for your comment.
PS – My brother is coming to Goucher next year as a freshman. I highly recommended you as a professor…he is taking your COM 105 class
His name is Grant. Be on the look out…!
By: larajustis on August 1, 2010
at 3:05 am