Blog Two

Conducting research interviews was an interesting experience as it was unlike any other activity I had engaged with as part of my studies.

Although I was not the one being interviewed, it felt like a vulnerable experience. This is because I had to seek out and find people who may want to participate in my research. All those who I asked graciously accepted and shared their knowledge and experience with me, which is something I am very grateful for. Despite this, I did not feel fully comfortable during this process. I felt a degree of imposter syndrome when carrying out this research and the interviews. The individuals who I interviewed have many years of experience in humanitarian practice while I have none. 

Prior to this, my research and studies, with the exception of group work, had been something I did primarily singularly. It was something that depended on what book I could find, which journal articles I found to be the most informative. This was data that had already been analysed, synthesised and communicated by an author. The prospect of doing this myself was very intimidating.

I had to remind myself during these interviews what I had learned so far in studying learning and lessons adoption, it is a process. It is through failure that one can reflect on their actions and draw lessons from it, therefore there is no need to be afraid of trying because it can either go well or it can go badly and you can learn from this. During my interviews and research I was lucky enough not to encounter any catastrophes but this was a heartening concept to remember.