Many greetings CAPI community!
I have to say, I am not sure of the best way to kick this blog post off. A lot has been happening, and it seems like I have been incredibly lucky thus far! I kicked off my research by presenting at, and acting as a convener for, the Multimedia, Mobility, & the Digital Southeast Asian Family workshop that took place at La Trobe University here in Melbourne towards the end of April and it was a smashing success! I met many spectacular scholars whose research interests were very relevant to my own, and many important conversations were had. I also received a great deal of positive and constructive feedback for my own research at the most perfect time.
As I was still waiting for ethics approval when I first arrived here, I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t be able to get much done. But, in fact, I built many important relationships with the academic community here that are external to my research, and they, too, have provided a great deal of feedback that has helped me enormously in the conceptualization and implementation of my research ideas. Many have been significant initial points of contact and gatekeepers for integrating myself both in the Indonesian international student communities, but also in the relevant academic institutions here in Melbourne.
As a result, I have attended multiple seminars and lectures, participated in two reading groups, and continue to meet incredible and brilliant new people every single day! I can’t believe just how fortunate I am to have found (and continue to find) such a supportive and welcoming community. Every day I learn new things– about myself, about my research, about the individuals I hope to work with over the next couple of months. Every contact is revelatory; a burgeoning relationship I hope to maintain for a great deal of time to come.
Right now, I am a part of a reading group, Affective Methodologies in Ethnographic Research. The experience has been amazing! I hadn’t considered the depth of the interview and research processes, and how attention to the smallest details about a person’s mannerisms can be incredibly revealing and important. Before this point, I wouldn’t have thought to make notes about when someone blushes, or averts eye contact, or fidgets.
My first interview was also amazing! I went in so nervous, and inexperienced, and unsure of what might happen. The first step is always the hardest, after all. But the woman I spoke to had so many valuable insights, and was so personable, and we got along wonderfully. She has also been a great resource for me, putting me in contact with multiple other individuals that may turn out to be research participants. Thus far I have only conducted one interview, but I have made multiple contacts and I think the next few weeks are going to be incredibly full!
Fingers crossed for me! Sampai lain waktu!
Alex
Beautiful Melbourne at dusk
My first day at the Univeristy of Melbourne
