it's been about two months since i've written, but here's an update on what's been going on in my life this semester. i spent january and the first half of february studying for comps. the process was kind of intense and confusing. i knew i had to read within a few large themes (territories): research paradigms for literacy studies; critical/feminist/literary theory/research/practice; research on pedagogy, curriculum, and/or assessment of RWL; and cultural and linguistic diversity. in the take-home portion of comps, there would be four essay questions, one focusing on each of these territories. i also knew somewhat in advance the two morning/in-class essays i'd have to write, one a specialization question and another one a question about my studies and learnings so far.
the actual exam took place over a weekend, beginning with a four-hour in-class exam on friday, feb 17, followed by a weekend of research and writing, which was a really intense process. i felt pretty prepared for the intellectual challenge of the weekend, but i really hadn't prepared for the emotional and spiritual challenges of doing that work. i read and wrote a lot and barely slept through it. i felt so thankful to have my husband by my side all weekend offering moral support, letting me use his desk and computer when i needed, and doing every possible thing to keep me afloat (including going on an ice cream run at some point on saturday). various friends and family also offered help and support via pep talks and phone calls and texts. it really helped to feel that love and support throughout the weekend. to be honest, that was one of the most valuable things i got out of the weekend -- that feeling that no matter what happens, i have this loving, supportive group of people who will stick it out with me.
it apparently takes 4-6 weeks to get our comps results back. we haven't heard back yet, but i think we will in the next week. after the weekend was over and i'd handed my papers in, i didn't really feel relief, but more just stress and this feeling of being drained in every way. it took a couple of weeks to really bounce back. i didn't even bother opening or rereading any of what i'd written once i regained my sense of self. i'm not sure if i will reread, though maybe i should. anyway, i'm glad it's over and i'm ready for the next step.
Showing posts with label comps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label comps. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
distracted and excited
it's been almost a month since my last post (no!) and i wish i had more to report, but to be honest, i'm still recovering from a long and draining winter and the workload at my job this month has been overwhelming, so i've been just a bit distracted.
regarding comps, i was nervous at first, but to be honest, i'm kind of excited about taking it on as a project, especially the part where i get to put together a citation list for the questions that i drafted with my advisor. doing comps and an independent study this semester also means that i get to come home at a reasonable time of day, leaving work at 5 most days and being home by 6. it has also meant that i study on the couch a lot, i.e. by the fire with my loved ones:
finally, it means that my cat gets to live out his fantasies of lying among towers of books and papers (seriously, he loves lying on papers and falling asleep between the pages of books, often while i'm reading them...):
in any case, i hope to have a more substantially post to offer soon. in the meantime, this will have to do.
regarding comps, i was nervous at first, but to be honest, i'm kind of excited about taking it on as a project, especially the part where i get to put together a citation list for the questions that i drafted with my advisor. doing comps and an independent study this semester also means that i get to come home at a reasonable time of day, leaving work at 5 most days and being home by 6. it has also meant that i study on the couch a lot, i.e. by the fire with my loved ones:
finally, it means that my cat gets to live out his fantasies of lying among towers of books and papers (seriously, he loves lying on papers and falling asleep between the pages of books, often while i'm reading them...):
in any case, i hope to have a more substantially post to offer soon. in the meantime, this will have to do.
Monday, December 26, 2011
staying afloat
my winter study plans are in full swing. i'm actually lucky enough to get a week of paid holiday this upcoming week, which means i can focus on my winter class and my comps studying. to be honest, i thought i was off to a good start with studying for comps but i got caught up on other work last week (including having to hand in a final for my fall class, having A LOT to do at my job, having homework for my winter class, and having some family stuff going on) and all that meant that i fell a bit behind on comps studying. i know -- it's pretty disappointing.
still, i finally have all my materials in one place (in the physical world, that means it's all on one table finally; in the virtual world, i'm working on a prezi where all my notes can live and interact with each other). overall though, i think i'll be okay. two months from now, comps will all be over... i think.
still, i finally have all my materials in one place (in the physical world, that means it's all on one table finally; in the virtual world, i'm working on a prezi where all my notes can live and interact with each other). overall though, i think i'll be okay. two months from now, comps will all be over... i think.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
comps group: take 1
though i'm just a few weeks past handing in my master's portfolio, i've officially begun preparing for comps. two weeks ago, i met with my advisor and she approved my comps questions. then last night, i met with a couple of cohort-mates who will be taking comps with me and we drew up a plan of action to sort the readings from the various classes we've taken over the past 3+ years and to study them with interest and depth.
our meeting was filled with (for me, anyway) a really wonderful blend of nostalgic and new energy. on the one hand, these are women with whom i began my doctoral journey and whose writings and thoughts have inspired me over the years. however, since most of my cohort-mates are part-time students, we have barely had opportunities to see or study with each other since our first year and so our paths have seemed to veer in different directions. being back together to take our comps is refreshing and energizing.
i am excited to learn from these inspiring women, to read and write alongside them again, and to remember dr. sipe's words: that we all have a legacy together. i'm sure i'll write more posts about comps over the next ten weeks, but as you can see, it has already become that perfect rwl doctoral studies blend of stress and excitement. one thing i've enjoyed about my cohort is that we all seem to tear through everything we're reading, picking it apart with passion and curiosity and making deep connections to our lives and work. even this initial meeting seemed to stir up this same blend among our now tiny group: we are all so excited to re-read and remember, but we're terrified about the time limitations.
last night, sitting together around a table and taking notes, we commented that it felt like it had been ages since we'd done this. and at the same time, we couldn't believe that we'd made it this far.
our meeting was filled with (for me, anyway) a really wonderful blend of nostalgic and new energy. on the one hand, these are women with whom i began my doctoral journey and whose writings and thoughts have inspired me over the years. however, since most of my cohort-mates are part-time students, we have barely had opportunities to see or study with each other since our first year and so our paths have seemed to veer in different directions. being back together to take our comps is refreshing and energizing.
i am excited to learn from these inspiring women, to read and write alongside them again, and to remember dr. sipe's words: that we all have a legacy together. i'm sure i'll write more posts about comps over the next ten weeks, but as you can see, it has already become that perfect rwl doctoral studies blend of stress and excitement. one thing i've enjoyed about my cohort is that we all seem to tear through everything we're reading, picking it apart with passion and curiosity and making deep connections to our lives and work. even this initial meeting seemed to stir up this same blend among our now tiny group: we are all so excited to re-read and remember, but we're terrified about the time limitations.
last night, sitting together around a table and taking notes, we commented that it felt like it had been ages since we'd done this. and at the same time, we couldn't believe that we'd made it this far.
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