When I Think of RESEARCH...

I remember at the start of this course having very conflicting and overwhelming views of  what I would be required to do. I was completely overwhelmed with life itself, let alone the idea of 8 weeks of research. I have gained a lot of calming information about what it takes to research ideas successful, but I still have a few mountains to climb related to research overall.  I loved the constructive feedback throughout the course, and have gained a better understanding of how to developing and completing a valid research study.

I can admit that I have always been fearful of completing any form of research. Even though I have become more comfortable wih the process of researching, I am still a bit nervous about the whole thing. After going through this course I have learned the steps, terms, and methods of research, which have easied my concerns. The best part of this course is that I am now able to pick and choice appropriate methods and processes that work each type of research study I am a part of.

Throughout this course I have been going through many life changing events, so focusing on soemthing that I already found overwhelming was even more overwhelming. I found myself getting frustrated and losing my drive. I eventually had to seek a counselor, calm down, and push through not only the class, but more importantly my life situation. After refocusing,  I was able to get a full understanding of the research process and was also able to complete the course; gettingone step closer the my goal. After finding the base of my research study, I actually found my research useful in my educational career  which included: creating a Food Drive to help out our local Food Bank, implementing the Buddy Back Pack Program (where low-income students are able to use a new food pantry on campus to take food tiems home over weekends), and implementing the first annual  tree angel program (where faculty and staff are able to adopt a family in need over Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have also become more interested in creating a child care center that assists the families in lower-income areas and possibly starting a Head Start Program in my community.

 

    Some of the challenges I faced during this course were more personal then course related. Of course  personal issues become concerns during the process of the course, but I was able to regroup and get the overall idea of the research process. I found myself struggling this section of 8 weeks, forcing me to go over information repeatedly and pretty much praying I completed the assignment correctly. I looked to feedback from my colleagues and professor to ground me and keep me going even when I wanted to throw in the towel. 

I always knew I wanted to own a Child Care and Learning Center, but after this course I see their is a bigger need in low-income areas for a center that can offer a higher level of education and care for the students. I found myself a few courses ago becoming more interested in the Head Start Program, but that too is limited to specific students and families. I want now to create a center that can embrace families in need, hold a high standard of acheivement, and provide the best education and care I can too ALL  children. 

I feel I have found my career calling after this research course.

Thanks ALL!!!!