On sleepless nights, a weary mind and graduation

   It’s 2 a.m. on a Saturday night.

   I should be in bed, but all I can think about is my Master’s project, amongst other things.  What still needs to be done? Can it be done in time? Can I do it?

   The good news is that the literature review, which is the bulk of the proposal paper, is nearly complete. The proposal has been through multiple drafts, and I’m anticipating a green light on the project any day now.

   I just reprinted the survey and the survey paperwork, which is now ready to be shipped off for approval from the powers that be at KSU.  Once the survey is deemed safe for human experimentation, I can work on getting it into the hands of the teachers. This will be the second hardest chore of the project, considering I must rely on busy teachers to take the survey and return it to me in a timely manner. Should I promise them chocolate?

   Then there’s the design of the course, which won’t be too labor intensive.  I’ve been teaching basic photography and photojournalism courses at Owens Community College since 2006.  I have a strong instinct on what teachers might want to learn. The survey will help with that, as well.

   It’s now 2:24 a.m.,

   I must force myself to rest my weary mind, which won’t stop. I still have a cap and gown to order. Who will I invite to my graduation? I only have 12 tickets but there are 13 people on the invite list. I hope the survey will be approved. Should I go to each local school and talk to the teachers in person? My lawn needs mowing and the patio furniture needs to be stored for the winter. Both campers need winterizing. Will Obama win? Please let Obama win. Dang, I forgot to give one of my cats his ear medicine today. I must finish grading before Monday………….

   See what I mean? Time to pop a sleeping aid and call it a night.
(UPDATE Nov. 30 - The survey was turned in too late and not included in the study. However, during the defense yesterday my committee members agreed it wouldn't have helped much anyway.)

This procrastinator is in full panic mode, and it feels good

   It’s time to take a few days off from my hectic life to concentrate on getting this Master's Project paper done! October 15 is the due date for the second draft, which I’m assuming is the entire paper, syllabus and all.

   I am going to ask for unpaid time off from work (I’ve used up all of my 3-weeks of vacation time at the Toledo Blade). Sometimes you have to make sacrifices, and this financial sacrifice better pay off with a diploma in my hand in two months. I didn't have to do this after all! My proposal is submitted, and I hope there are few major changes to make!

   So, this is my plan for the next week:

·      Visit a few high school photography teachers to find out exactly what they think the course should cover in order to satisfy their educational needs. After all, this course is for them - the unsung visual arts heroes who are ultimately responsible for getting high school students interested in photography and into the college photography classrooms.

·      Get that survey approved! It’s ready to go, but I’ve been sitting on the paperwork.

·      Meet with a rep for the Continuing Education office at Owens Community College. I want to make sure the course satisfies their requirements.

·      Design the syllabus and lesson plans.

·      Order my cap and gown.

   Yep, I will be busy tying up very, very loose ends, but I am a procrastinator at heart, and work best under intense pressure.

   Here’s a sneak preview of the abstract:

When high school teachers are tasked with teaching or managing student photographers, they should know how to operate a camera, understand what makes a good photograph, and be aware of the basic legal rights and ethical standards of a photographer.  Photography is more than just pointing and shooting a camera to capture a pretty picture.  It is a technical and aesthetic discipline that invokes critical thinking.  However, because of recent budget and teacher cuts in the subject of art, photography is being taught by teachers who do not have experience or educational backgrounds in photography.  This project involves creating a basic photography course for high school teachers who want or need to learn more about photography.  A syllabus, lesson plans and homework assignments will be developed in accordance with survey results, scholarly research and teacher interviews.