Blog Response to August 17th
I really enjoyed the first two lectures the most (the lecture from Dr. Wiggins and the Ted Talk from Dr. Barbara Oakley) because they helped in giving that reassurance that all students need every now and again to keep chugging along towards their respective aspirations. Especially in a time like this, self-doubt can easily creep into the mind and once you have allowed that self-doubt to creep in, it’s hard to get it out. It is very important, now more than ever, to be able to step back, take a breath, and go back at it one day at a time. I enjoyed the fourth lecture about “What Is Science” because in a 4000 level course, we have all taken many previous science courses and all had our individual journeys in science and it was comforting to be able to revert back to the basics of what IS science and how is it conducted in the real world.
I think what surprised me the most in the lectures, or maybe I should say what I enjoyed the most, was definitely the concept of scientists prevailing despite failures and step-backs they had along the way to reach their goal of becoming a scientist. The classes a science major has to take are far from easy courses no matter who you are and failures along the way are inevitable. Although people have hurdles of different forms and sizes in their paths, it is nice to hear anecdotes like Dr. Oakley’s of struggling in her classes and then working to prevail and become as established and respected as she is now.
Any time I have self doubts I often repeat to myself "this is merely a minor setback!" in a maniacal tone! On a more serious note, something else that I keep as a motto is "Hope is a choice". I don't mean to disparage people who don't have hope by this, it's more a message to myself that I always have that choice. It can't be taken away from you.
ReplyDeleteHi, Peyton!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog post. I completely agree that having an appreciation for learning is crucial in this day and age with everything going on. Like you said, it's definitely important to be able to take a step back and reassure yourself that you can achieve your goals. Even if the goal is simply finishing a challenging assignment.
I also liked the lecture on "What is Science". I totally agree that it's important to remember that this is a 4000 level course and that remembering the basics of science is crucial when it comes to learning.
Watching Dr. Oakley's TedTalk was also fascinating to me. I really enjoyed what she had to say about learning and pushing the envelope. I also love that you included a quote from her at the end of your post. Truly inspiring!