Recently I've realized that I have decisions to make, quickly, that will have long-term implications. Beyond registering for next semester's classes in a few weeks, I also need to start thinking about projects for next year, and beyond. For starters: my senior recital. If all goes as planned, I will graduate in May, 2009. I'd like my senior recital to be next fall, so that I don't have to worry about it my final semester. If that's to happen, I have to decide on repertoire soon.
Today I had a good meeting with LitCrit Prof K. I had scheduled an appointment with her to talk through a few points in my first major paper for that class, the final draft of which is due Thursday. We finished that discussion, and then she asked me my major. "Music," I replied. "You should be an English major," she said. Then she said some nice things that I won't repeat here, so as not to appear immodest. She did observe, "You seem anxious about the quality of your work. You can stop that." And it's true. I've been kind of a wreck this semester, wondering if I have the chops to not just survive, but to do work of which I can be proud. I'm happy with my progress, and more importantly, I'm looking forward to more.
To that end, Professor K suggested that I consider applying for collaborative research funding. This is an impressive program Hamline offers in the summer; I went to a presentation about it during orientation. The program is competitive, and would require a lot of work, but could be quite beneficial, and not just for the glory. As I think about graduate school and what comes after that, I'm aware that some of these projects could have a big effect on what kinds of opportunities I'm able to create for myself. It could also lead to . . .
Departmental honors, which are awarded after successful defense of an honors thesis. The thesis often comes out of the collaborative research process, and the process is guided by a four-member panel formed for each student during his senior year. I have a few ideas for work I'd like to pursue, about which you'll hear more later.
First I have to study for tomorrow's German exam. And write an essay for anthropology (for which I may or may not do the reading). And watch Dancing with the Stars. Kidding. Kind of.
5 comments:
ok, i clicked on the link to the collaborative research info.
in casual conversation, i'd like to be able to say, "oh, my friend who's doing a fulbright in london (salzburg) (sydney) says blah blah blah . . ."
that would be fun. i could come and visit to assess your progress. do that for me.
Okay, many thoughts:
1) Plan sounds good for recital, although, like you, I'm amazed that you already are planning the ending when it feels like you are just beginning.
2) I don't know how else to say it except that I agree with Professor K that you are an English major trapped in a Music major's body. I hope you're at least mildly tempted to come to the dark side.
3) Collaborative Research: BRING IT ON, I say. This is the next phase of your life, Scott, don't hold back. I guess I should go back and read some of your earlier posts about why you've gone back to school in the first place (but I wouldn't be surprised if that has changed by now, anyway). My point, amidst all this rambling is for you to ask yourself, "Self, why am I doing this? Is it to get my degree? Or something more than that?" The answer to this question will tell you whether or not you should apply for CR funding. Oh, and by the way, either way we'll still love you, because it's your decision. You're doing this for you, sweetie, not for us. :)
4) When, oh when, do we get to see photos of the hot students??????
11:25 pm
I believe right at this moment you might be finishing a paper for anthropology.
Since misery loves company, let the record reflect that I just typed and moved paper for two hours, so you'd have a misery peer group.
eric m, on the other hand, composed a lovely post this evening.
private to eric m:
i know you mean well, but you have to understand, It's About Me.
So, have you found a favorite school of literary criticism? As long as it is not postmodernism, you are ok.
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