Passion

Passion is energy. Feel the power from focusing on what excites you.

~Oprah Winfrey~

 

To complete my PhD I need to acquire some skill doing research which makes sense as it is a body of research. This translates in my programme to completing a Certificate or Diploma in Research, where the Certificate is 60 credits (bare minimum) and the Diploma is 120 credits (nuff work). The first module of this programme called Research Methods finished a few weeks ago and I want to share my observations, and maybe the major lesson.

The co-ordinators of the programme divided it into 12 vignettes (so English) of an hour and 50 minutes each over the week. A bit painful it seemed when I thought about it before, as it meant that we would be sitting in a classroom setting (groan) from 10 am till 6pm daily with reflective group work (really?) to wrap up each day. I did know though that it was a ‘necessary evil’ to complete my major goal, so I put on my happy face and my good attitude and I got ready for the week.

This programme also meant that I would get to meet and ‘socialise’ (maybe interact is a better word…hmmm…) with persons outside of my department as the programme was run by the Business School for all new PhD students, in addition to students completing a Masters in Research (wow). I was betting that they would not allow us to choose our groups but would place us in groups to force interaction so I was sure I would meet some new people.

Each vignette was presented by a Lecturer, Doctor, and Professor (your get my drift) of the Business School’s various departments: Strategy & Organisation, Human Resources, Management Science, Economics, Accounting and Finance, the Centre for Entrepreneurship etc. Each individual presented on a different research method that they used in their PhD work or that they are using in their current research, which meant that we were not discussing the method in isolation but in some context that illustrated how the method could be used and be useful.

Anyway my thoughts on the week:

• I am not a nerd! Some of the people that I met are so intellectual that they can seem intimidating. I was not sure that I could relate to them in my normal fashion, if you know what I mean, where my normal fashion means using small, simple words. (lol)
• I had great fun in some sessions, especially those that utilised active learning techniques and got us up and involved. One presentation I was involved in was especially fun as my team’s topic was about work and play and we tossed ‘a ball’ (wadded up paper) to each other as we spoke. Simple but effective!! ( I was petrified at first, I cannot catch to save my life, so I had the ball first)

• Some sessions were just not what I was expecting and the titles were very deceptive. For example, in the vignette entitled, Historical Methods and Perspective I was certainly not expecting to hear about Colonialism, Feminism and the like, although it did all make some sense in the end. 
• Lunch will be provided does not mean hot food (lol), something I am becoming very acquainted with in the UK. No rice and peas, no macaroni pie, no beef stew peeps. No! Lunch will be provided on a university budget means assorted sandwiches (not cheese paste and tuna… but sexy sandwiches), assorted pastries, cookies, juice, water, coffee and tea.

I think I am taking too long to get to the point.

There was one consistent trait with every presentation, and that was passion. Each presenter had a passion for the research method or the specific research they were discussing. Even the guy talking about an area that to me was more boring than dirt was smiling, animated and passionate about his research, his work and his PhD years or sometimes all of these. But that passion always shone through.

I highlight one individual who was such an inspiration in so many ways. (I don’t have their permission to talk about them so this will be slightly vague) With a first degree in a creative area, an MBA and a PhD, in addition to one of those truly mixed up backgrounds (born here, raised there, studied here, completed research there etc. etc.) the individual shone as an example that being true to yourself, your background and being passionate about your cause and research, no matter how different, can still lead to success in your chosen field.

So what I learnt, what my major lesson was (hmmm how do I put it) is: choose your work, research, (dare I mention them … relationships) and activities wisely because being passionate about whatever it is makes that much more difference. It makes you smile, it makes you animated, it makes you committed, it makes you a better presenter and it will see you succeed.

 

 

 

 

Three encounters ... #3 ... Don't you need special shampoo?

Man can learn nothing except by going from the known to the unknown

~ Claude Bernard ~ 

 

Here is the final instalment of my three encounters.

#3... Don't you need a special shampoo?

Headed up to four weeks in the UK and on my second cold, I had not gotten a chance to wash my hair for a variety of reasons: I was sick twice … stupse…(not washing it then to make me sicker), I had no dryer (bought one last weekend) etcetera…etcetera. I went to the dentist for my first examination and right next door is a salon with dryers. Quick thought that this would be better than holding a blow dryer over my head on my own until my hand hurt and it would make sure that even though I am sniffling I would have a clean, dry head. So, I turned, walked in and up to the desk and asked, “how much would it be for me to get my hair washed and dried?”

She looked petrified. I can’t think of a better word.

“But, don’t you need a special shampoo?”

I responded with a shake of my head and she asked “how do you dry it?”

I am trying to think how I felt at this time, but I can’t think how to explain it; I wasn’t upset, I wasn’t annoyed, I was just determined to get this hair washed and not have to dry it myself. I said, “just a normal hood dryer like the one in the corner over there” as I pointed to the dryer I could see behind her. I could still see some alarm in her expression but after we established that I was willing to do it even though she had no experience with hair like mine and that I didn’t want to make an appointment (there was only one other person in the salon being worked on) she said she could do it for 15 pounds.

She took my coat, settled me in a chair, put on a cape and towels (girls you know the routine) and then asked me to sit at the sink. She started out pretty easy and I could feel that she was being cautious, so I let her do the cautious thing for a while before I told her she could really use her fingers in it and give it a good scrub (which is what I really wanted). It was wonderful … produced a moan, to which she laughed. I could feel her getting more comfortable.

We moved back to the chair, where she settled me under the dryer although she did ask before putting the hood on if there was any particular way I wanted the hair put under the dryer or just how it fell. By this time I understood that the questions were largely from inexperience and uncertainty and she just wanted to make sure she was doing everything right. So I smiled and said that however it fell was fine.

So there I am under the dryer (must be the first time I was glad to be under one), she comes around and asks if I want tea, coffee or something else to drink (WHA?) and then periodically comes to check on my hair as it dries. I must mention that throughout this entire episode nothing on me got wet but my hair at any point which for me is amazing. No spilling at the sink, no water dripping as we went back to the chair and no water as the dryer hood was on (wow!) me and my clothes were dry.

It was an interesting experience, the one patron that was there turned at some point and said to me that my hair was beautiful (I blushed and said thank you) and the lady who washed my hair said I taught her something. I got a price list for other treatments and thought; you know what I would come here again.

 

 

Three encounters... #2 ... Its f*king cold isn't it?

What I enjoy most is travelling to different places and meeting new people. For me, it's all about life experiences, and I'm grateful that acting allows me so many interesting and fulfilling ones.

~Jensen Ackles~

 

Still on that lighter note here is encounter two of my three encounters.

#2 ...Its f*king cold isn't it?

I am walking to the bus stop, on my way to my first rehearsal and nervous when I see a very nice older lady at the bus stop. She was well dressed: nice red coat, black slacks, lovely silver hair which was styled perfectly and a nice bag. I walk to the bus stop and say “Good evening” (I can hear CO quarrelling with me as she reads this, why this black girl don’t hush she mouth nah?).

That lovely lady looked at me and she said, “It’s f*king cold isn’t it?” I must tell you that it is still weird to have a discussion with someone who could be my grandmother and they swear. However, like a lot of the people that I have encountered here she struck up a conversation. She gave me good advice: stock up on vitamin C and take it regularly, make sure I use a lot of garlic, wear several cotton layers to trap the heat and dress warmly at home as the heating has gone up again (her f*king bill is already 50 pound and she doesn’t have the heater on).

She asked where I was from, talked to me about her motion sickness and encouraged me to come to the club she was heading to that was very spiritual and relaxing. Our conversation, though short (she was only going two stops, but she didn’t want to walk because it was f*king cold and her feet hurt) was lovely. She appeared to be a warm, spiritual, spirited lady, who not only liked my accent but encouraged me to do well in my studies and get out to new things and meet new people.

She left by saying she hopes that we meet at the bus stop another time and that I should try to get out to her club. I really wish I could remember the name of it. Sigh.