I was pleased with our first class Thursday night. It is great to know that other members of the cohort share many of the same hopes and fears about writing that I do. I am particularly interested in making progress on writing my dissertation. As you all know, I am one of the oldest members of our cohort and do not feel that I have the lots of time to spend on it so that it pays off both personally and professionally.
As we all do, I have a busy life. My job is very physically and emotionally demanding. My children, although both away from home, still demand much of my time and guidance, not to mention stress and worry. My home and family are my first priority and there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day.
I am a very task-oriented person and my writing has always reflected my busyness and my very nature to “check off” items from my to-do list. Spending time reflecting and in “deep thought” is just not me! I like to finish tasks and move on to the next thing. I am a list maker, a doer, a finisher. This characteristic tends to make my writing very impersonal, concise, and to the point and usually, not very interesting I am afraid. And, as I mentioned last night, I have a real problem with this “I” thing! My plans are to give the journal idea a try (thanks, Rochelle, the idea).
I am looking forward (and scared to death) of having others of you take a look at my writing.
I agree whole-heartedly about the time issue. It is very difficult to be a full-time family man, professional, and student. In the ideal world, a doctoral student would be able to quit their job to focus on studies. I'm not sure what to do about family. The only people who tend not to have family obligations are those just out of college. I believe that type of person would not appreciate or gain as much from the program as someone with some life experiences.
I think your writing in this blog is good personal writing, but I know what you mean about getting the job done and moving on.
As Betsy states, I am "list" person as well. In fact, my friends make fun of me because of how detailed my "to do" list is....one category on the "to do" list is "things to consider". I know, go ahead and laugh too, but it keeps me organized. When I sit down to write a paper, I make a list of several main ideas that I want to make sure I cover. I check them off as I write. I absolutely have to use a computer to write so that I can bounce back and forth and insert ideas at various points. While this works for me, it does take time to write a concise piece when I am reading and rereading and trying to decide where my next "point" should be inserted.
I agree whole-heartedly about being nervous about others looking at my writing. I am not use to this practice, as I am sure most of you are not either, and it will take me time to feel comfortable with this process.
Being task oriented can really help you. I think Anita's suggestions are a great approach to using a task-approach to your advantage.
It will be a change, getting used to putting your writing in public and hearing back from others. I'm glad you have the friendship and trust of the group on your side.
4 comments:
I was pleased with our first class Thursday night. It is great to know that other members of the cohort share many of the same hopes and fears about writing that I do. I am particularly interested in making progress on writing my dissertation. As you all know, I am one of the oldest members of our cohort and do not feel that I have the lots of time to spend on it so that it pays off both personally and professionally.
As we all do, I have a busy life. My job is very physically and emotionally demanding. My children, although both away from home, still demand much of my time and guidance, not to mention stress and worry. My home and family are my first priority and there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day.
I am a very task-oriented person and my writing has always reflected my busyness and my very nature to “check off” items from my to-do list. Spending time reflecting and in “deep thought” is just not me! I like to finish tasks and move on to the next thing. I am a list maker, a doer, a finisher. This characteristic tends to make my writing very impersonal, concise, and to the point and usually, not very interesting I am afraid. And, as I mentioned last night, I have a real problem with this “I” thing! My plans are to give the journal idea a try (thanks, Rochelle, the idea).
I am looking forward (and scared to death) of having others of you take a look at my writing.
I agree whole-heartedly about the time issue. It is very difficult to be a full-time family man, professional, and student. In the ideal world, a doctoral student would be able to quit their job to focus on studies. I'm not sure what to do about family. The only people who tend not to have family obligations are those just out of college. I believe that type of person would not appreciate or gain as much from the program as someone with some life experiences.
I think your writing in this blog is good personal writing, but I know what you mean about getting the job done and moving on.
As Betsy states, I am "list" person as well. In fact, my friends make fun of me because of how detailed my "to do" list is....one category on the "to do" list is "things to consider". I know, go ahead and laugh too, but it keeps me organized. When I sit down to write a paper, I make a list of several main ideas that I want to make sure I cover. I check them off as I write. I absolutely have to use a computer to write so that I can bounce back and forth and insert ideas at various points. While this works for me, it does take time to write a concise piece when I am reading and rereading and trying to decide where my next "point" should be inserted.
I agree whole-heartedly about being nervous about others looking at my writing. I am not use to this practice, as I am sure most of you are not either, and it will take me time to feel comfortable with this process.
Betsy,
Being task oriented can really help you. I think Anita's suggestions are a great approach to using a task-approach to your advantage.
It will be a change, getting used to putting your writing in public and hearing back from others. I'm glad you have the friendship and trust of the group on your side.
Vachel
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