UWI Writing Workshop

“I am a writer!” was the mantra Prof. implored us to chant until we believed it. But, did I actually believe it? I sat at the back of the class pensively watching her; was I qualified enough to call myself a writer? What was Prof. seeing in me that I had not yet seen in myself? How was she so sure that I was a writer? Had Prof. said: “You are a thinker!” I would have bellowed that loudly without hesitation. Afterall, I spend so much time thinking that ironically enough, I had no need to think about that. As the days passed, the workshop proved more and more invaluable. In this workshop, Prof. taught us about the different approaches to writing, helped us to conceptualise our topics, draft abstracts and create outlines for the pieces we were working on. By the end of the first week, although I struggled initially, I was now on a path to what seemed like success. Since April I had been working on this piece, and finally in November it started to take shape. In the end, maybe this is ...

  I had some anxiety about participating in this writing workshop. Firstly, I am a writer but I am not confident in my academic writing skills. My experience in academic writing has taught me that there is always a need to review, and it appears that I am a long way from perfection. Secondly, I had no idea what to expect. I was very fearful of displaying my work publicly. Usually, at a writing workshop, one is expected to display their creative pieces. Nonetheless, I presented myself to participate. At the start of the workshop, the facilitator made me comfortable. The reflective exercise made me believe in myself and the writing capabilities that are within me. The statements “I am a writer” and “I am a scholar,” have started a revolution in my confidence as it relates to academic writing. Now, I will face this challenge knowing that there will be struggles and a lot to learn but I must achieve.   This experience has shown that you can be your own obstacle. The emotions...

 Complexities of Research Activities From pexels.com Abstract: The research process entails countless complex activities which may be untangled and simplified with the emergence of guidelines and or criterion. Have you ever followed a recipe to a meal that you purchased and would love to re-create? Were you able to prepare a meal which tasted quite similar to the one that you bought? Well I am sure many researchers would love to have a recipe to guide their research. This desire is even greater as a research student. The complexities of research activities are plentiful.  As a former biochemistry student, I was quite aware that while the atom was the smallest unit, there were actually protons, neutrons and electrons as subatomic particles. Similarly, every decision and component of the dissertation work appears like the layers can be and should be peeled off.            My hope is that all the layers are not expected to be pee...

Have you ever reluctantly tried that new jollof rice, those ghost pepper wings, maybe the rich, bitter mauby straight from the bark and enjoyed it?  This was my experience today in a Writing Workshop that I participated in.  This workshop was mandatory and I was very reluctant to participate.  Unlike most workshops that I have participated in, I actually felt like I needed to be in this space at this time for the first time in a long time.  How can this moment in time, the first hour of this writing workshop convince me that I belong?  It was my instructor, my facilitator, and my fairy godmother - whose experience cast me into a magical spell.   See, sometimes the universe understands what must happen, especially with those of us who struggle with confidence in our writing.  I was extremely anxious and nervous to share a piece of writing about who I am as a writer and a scholar.  To be honest, I had no idea how I was going to do this, except ...

 I'm excited to start the writing workshop and looking forward to meeting everyone!!'n

 Day 1