Week Two - Research

Wait, it's Sunday already? Where did the week go? Time seems to be slipping away of late, the days are getting shorter (yes here on the other side of the world it is shifting into winter, so I hope you're all enjoying the sun over there!), and my position paper is coming together, it's just happening very, very slowly.

I have chosen my subject - Should fruit and vegetables be subsidised in New Zealand - and laid out a plan including which aspects of the argument I wish to cover etc., but the road block I have hit has been in the research. Being in Germany, with no great source of English literature at my disposal, my main source of information is the internet. I have a healthy suspicion of Wikipedia - this will be my inherent anti-technology trait shining through, (I'm sorry, maybe it's a South Isand thing...) Anyway, I'm just not too sure how reliable the web is as a resource in general, and because it will be my primary resource I am hoping this doesn't have an adverse affect on my paper and how it is received (i.e. my mark). Nevertheless, it's what I've got to work with so I will do my best to filter the wheat from the chaff and produce a solid piece of writing. This will be done throug the use of reliable web sites and cross referencing when possible.

Maybe I will have to gather some data through other means like an interview or survey. I particularly like the idea of an interview, to get an expert opinion and perhaps raise some issues I haven't already thought of. There are also some good surveys and studies published online, the results of which I am tempted to use, but is this in some way cheating? The greatest benefit of using pre-existing surveys undertaken by well established organisations, such as the Ministry of Health, is because of their greater resources and recognition by the general public they can reach a much larger selection of participants. Therefore, I believe their results would be more conclusive then any I would be able to gather under limited time and with limited public recognition.
So these are the things I'm currently working through. I can see the direction my position paper is taking, I know more or less what point or points I want to make, the task now is fleshing it out with solid research from reliable sources. The forecast next week promises a high of 3 degrees - at least it's good studying weather!
Hope you all have a great week.

Introduction

Hello. My name is Chris. I am 29 years old. I hail from Dunedin originally but am currently living, with my (extremely pregnant) partner, in Munich, Germany. I work as a tour guide. As well as this I am (slowly) working towards a Bachelor in Science with a major in Ecology.

I have always loved the natural world, and feel blessed to have grown up surrounded by the South Islands national parks. I have studied before (although I use the word "study" loosely), undertaking a certificate in outdoor recreation at Aoraki Polytechnic in Timaru. Among other jobs, I have worked as a guide on the Milford track and as a DOC ranger - initaially maintaining the tracks, huts and bridges in the back country of South-Westland and later taming the wild pines in the back country around Queenstown. As well as this I have spent around 5 years working and travelling overseas, exploring over 40 countries in South and Central America, North Africa, Asia and much of Europe. 

One thing I have become convinced of in my life is how important unspoiled landscapes and eco-systems are to the health of the planet and humanity as a whole. With a wee one on the way (and at the risk of sounding cliche), I want future generations to have the same opportunities I have had to experience our planet at its most beautiful, raw and undisturbed. That's why I want to dedicate my life to conservation, but at a more intellectual level than what I have done previously. Although I love the physical part of conservation - going bush and getting my hands dirty - I feel I could make a bigger impact by furthering my knowledge in the subject. I have a particular interest in sustainable resource management, finding a balance between taking what we need while maintaining the health of the natural environment we depend on. Something which different cultures achieve to varying success. 

A very important part of conservation is convincing the global community of it's importance. This is why I believe this paper, Communication in the Sciences, is so important. I love to write, and feel I have a talent for it, so I want to put this talent to good use.

I am looking forward to working with other students, but hope the time difference doesn't complicate matters. Also I am a little apprehensive of the time management involved and hope that I am able to juggle a newborn baby (not literally!), my job and this paper to get the most out of it as possible. I think this will be my biggest struggle over the next 10 weeks or so, but am looking forward to the challenge.