- learning for the sake of learning
- learning without the need for external rewards such as marks, promotions, money, social acceptance, etc.
Are all scientists intrinsically motivated in their chosen research area? Is it something common amongst all of us? And what happens when you lose that need to learn for the sake of learning? When those intrinsic motivations turn extrinsic and rewards or money are all that drive you. Is that when it's time to search out another job? Another research area? Go to a science communications course and realize what you were really meant to do in life?
I spent the day at Science North, being a fly on the wall in two lectures for the Science Communications course run jointly between Laurentian and Science North. Once again amongst science communicators, Banffers without the benefit of the Banff experience. Science communicators who are allowed to sleep and process information during the week! But what is the better way? I think the two programs are mutually compatible - the year-long melange of courses and the two-week bootcamp/masters' class.
It's interesting how your life sometimes seems to come full circle. Science North was my starting place. I had a brief discussion with Dave Pearson, which I hope to continue tomorrow, on the "failed scientist" concept. The understanding of that phenonmenon can only be appreciated by those who have experienced it. And Dave understands. Welcome to the darkside young grasshopper.
Alan commented that he wants to hear why Banff changed my life, why it was such an amazing experience. How to tell him? Ah tulips! How to tell him that for the first time in my life, I feel comfortable in my own skin. That being amongst a group of like-minded individuals who understand inherently the reasons why anyone would want to pursue this type of career path is a very energizing yet calming situation. Mentally calming. That for the first time in my life, I truly was living in the moment, enjoying every second of it. Okay, rose-colored glasses in place since there were some not-so-fun moments during the first couple of days, but we'll leave those out of the pretty picture. How do you fully express those sorts of emotions? Express the fact that it's not just the content, it's the people sharing the experience with you. Fellow Banffers understand. Fellow Banff Centre artists understand. Non-Banffers, even other science communications people won't. It was more than the subject material, the pedagogical learning, the workshops, the assignments. It was a sense of finally being "home", of being with an extended family who accepted you the way you are, even encouraged being a 'failed scientist'. The artist formally known as scientist. You got that one bang-on A, and muchos thanks and hugs as always.
Tomorrow I have to give my talk - part synopsis of the Banff program, part real-life story of a researcher turning into a communicator, not just in the nether regions of the mind, but on paper, in real life and on business cards.
1 comment:
You bring up a very important important issue when you talk about the "failed scientist" issue.
I think that it's in our own perception that anyone who has an advanced degree in science and who is neither doing research nor has an academic appointment is a "failed scientist." Of course, we could get into a semantic discussion as to what constitutes "failed" (I would argue that it's purely subjective), but this would have to be done over cider/beer/poison of one's choice.
Anyhow, it sounds to me like you had an epiphany in Banff - in part because you found a group of people who shared the same enthusiasm and world-view as you do. Forge ahead, sister!
;-)
Post a Comment