I, so far, have learned nothing new on my senior project. I’m ecstatic about that, because it means that I have built useful skills, as a field researcher, as a communicator, as a writer, and as a scientist. I’ve been prepared, and it’s been wonderful. This senior project feels like the capstone of my senior year. The practical knowledge of our methods and means to gather data is something that I’ve learned during Research Crew (check out Brian’s blog post) and as a part of FERn (Forest Ecology Research desigN). When it comes to writing, the precision and attention to detail of AP Computer Science and the papers of FERn let me define and specify, while Composition had me practice the structure and clarity required to not lose my voice in those details. In learning skills, I learned how to work with, instead of against, my neurodivergence, to trust myself with key items but not with anything replaceable or unimportant. I created a spreadsheet to track my hours, something I would have never done a year ago!
I’m really enjoying spending all day in the woods. Turns out “taking a stupid walk for your stupid mental health” (to quote hank green) works. It’s been fun, and bird calls at 6 am seem to be my sleeper agent morning person activation code, as long as I have caffeine. I finished the reference flagging on the entirety of the plot grid, and I’ve started on data on the sites surrounding Mud Pond. I’ve explained what the research grid is all about to the entire school, and (somehow) made data (somewhat) interesting. It’s been a lot of up into the forest and down out onto campus and up and down and– you get the idea. When I started this project, I didn’t really expect anything unique, just more of the same. The sites we’re finishing up are the far ones, and with that just comes the inconveniences of being closer to the middle of nowhere: longer hikes, less connected and maintained trails, more difficult water access, exc. All I expected was for it to take time.
And as of right now, it has: with 5 days of work under my belt, I have worked 33.5 hours, or about 45% of the required 75 hours (that spreadsheet is coming in handy right now). I’m really excited for next week, where I’ll do a little bit of writing up methods and terms, and a bunch more data. Hey you. Yes, you reader. You’re cool.
Absolutely awesome Matthew! Your posts continue to be rich and fun to read! Keep it up! This Senior project certainly is your capstone for your senior year - and we (the academy) are all the better for it! Thanks for your effort, energy and great communication about it! Legacy level achieved!
ReplyDeleteMatthew, of course I had to read of your work after crossing paths with you recently in da woods. I love learning about your work & really appreciated your assembly presentation. It's cool your writing is helping your science in making meaning for others. After literally over 35 years of loving our trails on Ragged, your plots and research has opened up a new view of our forest. thx
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