In my element

From August 12

What a fantastic day!  Fantastic life, actually.

Being in the field is so stimulating.  I feel so motivated, so driven, so energized.  Anxiety about my thesis fades as I reconnect with my passion for what I’m studying, as I engage with the actual process of pursuing useful, interesting knowledge expanded beyond the framework and pressure of “a thesis”.  Though frustrations arise – communication difficulties (especially regarding my vegetarian tendencies), collecting research endorsements, bad roads, mosquito bites – it is all part of the experience.  I think my tendency to overthink actually helps a great deal, as my mind is constantly churning through alternative scenarios.  And the difficulties, though at times somewhat daunting, must simply be dealt with.  No use getting tense about it.

My field assistants (E and Z) are, in a word, amazing.  Both were previously employed through the local government, but lost their contracts following the most recent election (ah, politics).  They both have experience working with fishers and WWF-Philippines, understand local fishing practices and regulations, and are extremely familiar with the area. Even though what I'm paying them is negligible by US standards (about $200/month), it's more than they made in their previous jobs.