I did my first interview today. It went really well. I only asked two questions and then sat back and listened. It was wonderful. The person I interviewed, Jennifer Rothchild (Associate Professor of Sociology, gender, women’s studies, and sexuality), was accepted for an advanced study fellowship through the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Through this interview I learned something: Even the “elite” researchers, PhD holding folk, have troubles writing. Her study fellowship will allow her to write with a group of people around her, instead of being completely cut off from others. It will give her the boost she needs to get the work done. She still does the work, but instead of “writing in a lonely cubicle in a library” she will be able to confer with colleagues across disciplines and get more feedback that way. I think it’s a wonderful idea. As she said, “Writing is lonely work. You become can become cut off from so many people when you write.”
I came away from this interview feeling pretty good about myself, and my new course in life. I think I chose well. As long as I don’t allow myself to be cut off while I do my work, I’m going to have fun doing this work. I don’t think I have much to worry about with that, as the very nature of writing articles means I have to put myself out there and find people and talk with them. If it all goes as well as today’s interview, I think I may have found a new hobby. It’s wonderful!
In other news, my depression has eased up greatly since quitting the secretarial position at the church. I feel more at ease in general and haven’t had nearly as many episodes in which I feel completely overwhelmed. I never realized just how much that job was pulling me down and holding me back. And it’s good to know it and to feel so much better. And to actually have emotions other than annoyance, frustration, and anxiety. I’m laughing so much more now, smiling so much more, and singing so much more. I’m finally happy again! Yay!
