Something strange happened today.
I have a committee member who may inquire about what I am doing once or twice a year. This guy likes a good argument: he is the absolute best at tearing somebody down if they don't know what they are talking about, or if they are wrong (in his opinion). I have been mildly terrified of such opportunities as I have seen people brought to tears or pulling their hair out and needing a stiff one after such conversations. Who needs the people on the bus EGF's dissertation coach mentioned if you can have such a rich, real-life experience?
Well, anyways. Today, without any warning, I got a question that lead to the heart of what is most controversial about one of my projects. I took a deep breath as I realized that there was no way out of this conversation, it was happening right there right then. So I tried to be brief (no fluff would save me here) and to the point. The line of questioning continued for a good 20-30 minutes, but somehow I came through in one piece. The resolution was that my approach was satisfactory, and that I should write it up.
Will this experience make me less terrified of such conversations in the future? Does it mean I am learning how to better handle my arguments? Or was he simply in a good enough mood to let me squeak by this time?
I may never know. But I am going to get a good night of sleep tonight (cough suppressants are lovely that way, fingers crossed they work tonight and I am not up thanks to my cough), and try writing tomorrow.
The perverse incentives of academia
6 years ago
7 comments:
congratulations, that's outstanding!!!!
I think you are getting better at this!
I think you are getting better at this. You've gotten more conversant (is that a word?) on your topic and you've thought about these questions. So, you're able to give a reasoned response. In other words: Grad school, you're doing it right.
Good for you!
Practice definitely makes perfect. And I'm sorry you're still sick.
Kick Ass! Great job - he was not letting you off easy. You defended your approach admirably and that is entirely to your credit. Don't be so quick to blow off your own successes. There are so few of them in grad school - don't waste them on pretending it was someone else's charity, rather than your own growth, smarts and hard work!
That's great! After thinking through the argument with this guy and knowing how to get to your point- sounds like writing will be a breeze =)
Quiet - thank you!
Jennie - yes, I am secretly hoping so!
Amanda - I do think I am making progress, it is just a little hard to see some times :)
Cath - I wonder if such critical thinking practice would be as beneficial sans the stress? And I am feeling better, although slowly - thanks!
AA - I do know I have the tendency to minimize my successes, so thank you for the reminder!
Albatross - yes, I now definitely have a better idea about what kinds of questions others will have, which helps. Still got to put it in smooth words though! (starting with lots of drafts, of course)
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