Hey Darling…
Can you believe we’re already on Post 5? I’m so proud of myself for even keeping up!
I’m currently writing this from the main library at UNILAG, the same place I wrote my very first memoir from https://eziaha.com/eziahas-research-memoirs/
Today, I had to move from the FSS Library (my faculty library) after it closed at 3:30 to the Main Library, which thankfully stays open till 8:30… because this literature review is not even playing!
PLENTY literature gosh!!!
Now, I’m not claiming any expertise in this post; how much do I really know anyways? But I like to trust my gut every now and then.
Yes, there’s wisdom and safety in the multitude of counsel, but too many cooks spoil the broth… especially when each cook has their own flavor!
I remember when I started this project, many of my colleagues would share how they were running their proposals by a couple of people before showing their supervisors, just to be guided. Some would even look for answers to PQs from diverse sources outside our lecturers.
For some reason, I couldn’t, and wouldn’t do that.
Sure, I did tutorials, but it stopped there. If I needed clarity, I asked my lecturer. But I’ve always been wary of taking my work around for “advice.”
One time, when I was working on Chapter One, a friend suggested I run it by someone doing a PhD, someone really good and helpful. I turned it down kindly.
That person is undoubtedly good, but I didn’t want any flavor added to what I was building. My supervisor was doing an amazing job guiding me, so I stuck with him.
Guess what? I submitted Chapter One and he approved EVERYTHING, ZERO CORRECTIONS, within 2 hours!
And he wasn’t even in Nigeria at the time!
Now, I’ve identified another ‘eye’ I’d love to have on my work. Someone whose flavor is similar to mine and my supervisor’s, yet still distinctly theirs. That kind of aligned difference is the sweet spot.
That balance is KEY, and honestly, I apply the same principle to my entire life.
I don’t go around seeking counsel from every good person. You can be good and yet not good for me. I can be good and not good for you, and so when people come to me for counsel especially on topics with no clear right or wrong, and I sense they’ve gone around the block and confusion is setting in, I discipline myself to just shut up and ask them to find the wisdom within their own soul.
“You can’t find your voice if too many voices are speaking into your ears. Wisdom is knowing when to listen, and when to stay anchored in what you already know”
A Prof recently told us, “Research is no longer a solo game. Open up and let others see and contribute to your work.” And while I agree, I also know that without guardrails, you can quickly go from counsel to confusion.
When I discussed my proposal with my class rep and a friend, they asked questions I hadn’t considered. I went back, sought answers, edited, and it made my work stronger. In that case? Counsel helped.
But throwing my work to various people with various flavors? Nah, I’ll pass.
This lesson landed even deeper recently when a certain Prof asked how I was doing my literature review. I gave a surface-level answer, and he went on and on about what he thought I should be doing.
Do I respect him? Absolutely! A whole Prof, after all!
But respectfully, the approach I’m taking, with my supervisor, is different than his, and I stuck to mine.
We won’t all always agree. And it’s OK.
I mean, Sociology has two strong arms: Theory and Research. My work leans more heavily on the Research arm. So if a “Theory person” reads it, of course they’ll have opinions.
Good ones. But outside my scope.
So no, thank you.
That realization hit hard yesterday after an encounter, and it gave me more confidence in this journey, something I’ll need in great supply with all the defending and presenting ahead!
Phewwww!
Ok, see you in the next post.
And if you’re loving this series, please drop a comment and share with any PG student you know who’s either on this journey, or about to be!
God bless you!
With Library love haha,
Eziaha