How to choose a term-paper topic

While I think it's an excellent idea to have students choose their own research or argument topics, it does tend to create a bit of panic because of the vast opportunities. The most important thing I can recommend is to choose a topic you are REALLY interested in, organically curious about, and want to know more about. Don't think about how many pages you need to write (teamonkey I am talking to you). Think about things you would look up and read about if you didn't have to write this paper.

Okay, to start (do each step before moving on to the next one):

1. Write down ten things you are interested in. (bands, literature, art, physics (oh wait that's me), theater, film, etc.). ANYTHING.

2. Cross off something on  your list that you feel is ridiculous or you couldn't possibly write and academic paper about (bunnies?).

3. Think about, talk to other people about, talk to your mom or bff's mom about how this topic could be a valid academic research topic. IE: How can bunnies make good household pets? Why are bunnies so determined to eat the furniture? How do house bunnies manage to maintain an aloof nature and engage in wild behaviors (digging, eating the furniture) when they are domesticated like dogs and cats and even look more cuddly? On that note: why oh why won't my bunny cuddle me? (bunnies may not be the best example)

4. As illustrated in number 3, anything can make a good research topic (remember I once had a student write a 15 page paper on cupcakes). Also, notice the how/why questions. A good research topic needs research questions. These are how/why questions because they really dig in and require deeper investigation.

5. Come up with how/why questions on three of your topic ideas. As many as you can think of.

6. Structure a free write into: what you already know about a topic, what you need to know (how/why questions again but limit it to maybe three that could work together) and where would you look for answers (are there scholarly articles/texts on your topic?). Do some preliminary research (Google/library search) to get a broad idea of your topic and what kind of questions (and answers) are out there.

7. Pick a topic. One that you had a lot of questions about, don't know TOO much about already (you will get bored), and one that has potential sources in your library or library database (I'm assuming you need scholarly sources).

If you would like I can help with the steps to writing a term paper as well. First thing you need is to do research and construct an outline. I have ideas about presentations too if you're interested. Finally, How and Why did you end up with a mom/bff's mom who's an English teacher??? More unsolicited advice coming soon! Love. xo

How to live the questions now.

Rainer Maria Rilke has a brilliant book for writers (or anyone really) called Letters to a Young Poet. It's just beautiful. One of the most memorable passages is:

"You are so young, so much before all beginning, and I would like to beg you, dear Sir, as well as I can, to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. and the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer."

I think there is a lot of pressure on college freshman to KNOW the answers. How are you supposed to know how you will live the answer in the future if you aren't allowed to live the questions? I am thirty (cough cough) years old and I am just figuring out my career (and many other things). There is a beauty in the not knowing what the future holds... otherwise it wouldn't intrigue us. It is okay to dream, to wonder, to explore your options.

I feel more Rilke coming on in the form of trusting yourself but I will save it for another day. XO

Try not to lose things...

Okay, so I lost the blog (temporarily) like I've lost several other important things over the past little while. :) I know Teamonkey lost something important last week but it turned up! And so did the blog. Now I just have to remember to write here, as I know you have to remember to study and all of that.

I guess I wasn't sure what to say about your first couple of weeks. I know you're both adjusting to school and social life and jobs. And your parents and brothers (and bunnies) are adjusting too. More than the missing, though, I am so excited about this adventure you've chosen.

Now I feel behind in advice but also like you don't really need so much. I can now skip how to eat at the meal hall (one I hear is food heaven and one not so much!), how to do your laundry, how to make friends, what else? I guess I'll keep writing so I can pretend that you need me. :)

Remember, never drink out of a red solo cup.

And you may be far from home, but you're also never far from home.

love you both.

How to... leave home

This part seems hard. Or at least it is for me. I would write you a list of all the things you need to pack, etc. but I know at least one of you has already done most of that on her own. I know the hard part is leaving your space, your friends, your comfort zone. Having moved so much I know there is no being prepared for this part, it's hard. But I know too that you are excited about this new adventure and you still have your family, your friends, each other. My M refers to the bond that separates friends at a distance as the rubber band (I've probably told you this before). No matter how far apart you are, the rubber band stretches, adjusts, and you are still connected. (HA! and now you have a blog!)

Since this is my first post (or the acknowledgments or introduction to the survival guide), I would like to acknowledge how proud I am of both of you. It has been a pleasure seeing you grow into beautiful, amazing, talented women (one of you a little longer than the other :)). I have no doubt that you will both have amazing experiences out there in the world. I know, too, that you will have rough days but you are strong and self-aware and you will get through it. And so will I... :)