Choosing a new topic area has only led to more stress, for I am unable to find a meaningful and trans formative angle upon which to analyze it and/or way to develop lesson plans around it. And when 'Manic Monday' as I call her, demanded an answer to her question, "Why are you going to do double the work?!" I just stared at her at first, because of course, I don't want to, but I am unable to develop lessons around a directionless thesis. The wheels began to turn from there and very quickly I realized I have put a considerable chunk of my time into my previously selected thesis topic, and to abandon it might be careless thinking. So I am back to my previous topic, Place-based educations role in identity formation in urban spaces. I have mixed emotions about this...when I first made the decision sitting there in class, in my own world, thinking, I suddenly felt relief and a weight lifted off me; I had direction again. But I also felt mild defeat by hopes of trying to branch out of that. Overall, I think it is the right decision to make.
The only downside is: All the work I put into looking into the topic and starting research is out the window, because I threw it all out when I selected a new thesis topic this semester. A bit hasty? Yes. Am I hugely regretting it? Oh Yes!!!
I think an important thing to keep in mind, as you go through the stress that is thesis, is that it is only one small part of your life's work. it's important that it is something that you are invested in and passionate about, but it also has to be realistic, viable, and it should not drive you crazy! You'll put lots of work into it, but you should not find yourself bursting into tears at the thought of it.
ReplyDeleteIf you have big ideas related to this new topic that you just haven't quite wrapped your head around, file it away. maybe it's a bigger project for another day. but getting yourself stuck and falling behind is not the way to get through grad school.
hope that bit of unsolicited advice was helpful, amanda! let me know if there's anything i can do to help you through the process!