Markets

Instead of criticizing the markets, monetization and the meaning of value- why don't we create our own systems of trade? There's nothing stopping us from defining our own values and forms of distribution.

Seeing India

This course has changed my way of seeing.
When I went back home this summer, everything was different, even though nothing was the same.

It's confusing that I had to leave the country, to learn about it, to notice things about it. Distance does give you perspective. But I worry that in a way, it's just a form of recolonizing my mind, isn't it?

If I think the way this system wants me to, am I caught in Spivak's paradox? But just having had the opportunity to be here probably disqualified me anyway.

Academia

My course has basically been self- study.

I feel like I was put in a place with a million books, and thousands of fascinating people, handed a set of assignments, and left to get on with it.

I would have maybe liked more support, guidance, been taught how to write a great social science essay before getting my grades back- but in the end, how do you learn and grow, really?

If the point of a University is to provide an education- then this year has given me access to all the sources of learning I could have wanted.And I'd like to think I've made the most of it.

I've learnt so much through conversation- both about my subject and myself, my way of thinking.

Just as I'm getting my bearings, and getting on my feet, it's time to leave- but isn't that a sign I should be moving on anyway? Can't afford to get complacent.

This Year

I've learnt so much, grown so much this year.
I can see the difference in the way I think, speak, live.

It's partly my course, and partly my environment.
For the first time in what feels like ever, I feel absolutely free to be myself. And that's the key- that confidence, the lack of bullshit brings liberation with it.

People sense that, and want to be around you.
Nothing attracts people like happiness.

Writing a First Draft

The only way to write is to write. But you can't write if you don't read.

Take your time reading, diversify your sources and authors. Take notes, record your thoughts. Once you've organized your reading, form an argument or story.

Break the piece down into subheadings, and group your notes into these different boxes/categories.

Write freely. Make coherent sentences. The rest will come.

Have your own voice, be strong. Guide your reader, tell them where you're going.

Make it easy for them, you know more than they do.

The Art of Conversation

I'm constantly reminded by how essential it is to have good people skills. If you can talk to people, or more importantly- listen, doors will open for you.

People like feeling like they've been heard. Isn't having a great conversation the best buzz you can have?

It's easy when you break it down:

1) Make people feel interesting- Make eye contact, smile, laugh.
2) Make them feel like they can trust you- Be non-judgmental. Keep your expression neutral.
3) Keep them talking- Ask them questions, don't relate what they say back to yourself immediately
4) Be interesting- See other sides, don't take what they say at face value. Respond with something unexpected;they have to remember you.

There's more than one story, more than what they're telling you. Dig deeper- ask for history, context, comparisons.

Framing

I can't believe that development language is still automatically used to dissect policy making in the South.
There's a lot of what Escobar says that I disagree with- I'm all for enjoying the fruits of modernity as much as the next person- but honestly, language is absolutely key- and if the people who 'care' continue to degrade the South in this way, it's just creating obstacles for us to overcome when we have enough.
Perception isn't everything, but it says a lot about the authors themselves.

Development

What happened to the Second World?
What about the Islamic view of the World?
Where are the indigenous authors and texts?
And can we not resort to using the terms 'local knowledge' and 'indigenous people' everytime we discuss the South?

Networking in the City

1) Look good. Spend money. Wear make-up. Lose weight.
2) Cut the bullshit. Be direct, ask for what you want.
3) Show that you know exactly what you're talking about.
4) Smile and laugh a lot.
5) Do your homework. Ask questions. Be interested.

Disconnect

There's such a disconnect between assimilation and creation. The more I know, the more reluctant I am to put it down. Can you be too self- critical?

I think the key is to create before thinking about creation.
Have something out there, and then thinking about it will lead places.