I got sick during our writing circle meeting time, so we discussed our papers over the phone. I will say that I learned how valuable face to face interactions and meetings are. I feel as if it is impossible to truly share, connect, and discuss a paper over the phone. Authentic communication is essential to the writing circle process. This week was the week that I had to do the most self reflecting because of the lack of meeting with my group. They felt that once again, I was making process, but that I needed to consistently come back to my point of helping the reader to reflect upon their experiences and views of rapport. I realized that yet again, I need to re-visit the structure and the research side of my paper. I feel that I have done a nice job "being me" in the paper, but need to also give credit to those who have influenced my educational journey, as well as my Nani's. This has been a challenge because of my per-conceived notions of "research" and what it "must include." As I break down those barriers, I feel that I am making progress in my paper and more able to effective incorporate the beliefs and ideas of Dewey etc.
I will say that I am excited to meet this week, face to face, with my group, as I have a new appreciation for the communication that occurs in that setting. I took for granted how essential this "meeting" and collaboration has been to the writing process. This paper has been challenging, but meeting with my group has made it more bearable and kept me more accountable to myself and my group members.
