Why am I creating this space, and why now, already five months into dissertation work?
First of all, the task of building this database is overwhelming: The long hours in front of the computer working on a massive Excel spreadsheet are paying a toll on my mental and physical health. Reading primary sources is a wonderful way for self-motivating, but the reading comes too soon into the process: I have no doubt I will forget sources and questions if I am not organized (which is tough for someone with ADHD), and I do not want to waste time re-reading or searching for a source "I know it's somewhere but where?" I want to gather notes on the sources in a way that will allow me to easily retrieve those pieces of information at the right time--when I start writing, maybe one year from now--and use them proficiently.
Second, the pandemic has made "virtual" the norm, so I feel that limiting my commuting time and work in my home office, is not just acceptable, but also the best use of my time. This comes with an annoying feeling of isolation from my professors and my peers. Ideally, this space will allow me to share my findings and processes, and maintain a proficuous conversation with my advisors, W. Caleb McDaniel and Randal Hall.
Third, I hope that by uploading my findings and questions and pinning down my curiosity, I will keep myself accountable to my advisors, my peers, and foremost myself.
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