Ready, set…
…go! It’s April and I’m nearing the end of the Fulbright and this first phase of dissertation data collection in Barcelona. It’s challenged me hugely, forced me to get better at approaching people, imposing gracefully, and asking for things. Just three months ago I had to write down my introduction and build up the nerve to make phone calls in Catalan (which rapidly turned to Spanish). Today, I still had butterflies in my stomach at picking up the phone, but understood every word and was able to make 4 different phone calls in Catalan and set up interviews with people. This is important for understanding people working in education here, and a personal accomplishment to have learned this much Catalan in so little time. Now, the final phase of research begins. Goal: 50+ interviews by the second week of May. I’m optimistic and motivated to work hard these last weeks. The prize is near!
**Credit goes to my husband for these great pictures, taken on a short vacation to Italy last weekend.**
See you soon, I hope to start posting more often again!
April 6th, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Love that first photo!
April 18th, 2010 at 6:13 am
You’re doing amazing work & those are some awesome pictures 🙂
April 18th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Thanks to you both!