I am currently experiencing some frustration at TCC related to the fact that I’m
having a tough time getting face time with people I’m supposed to be
collaborating with. Since my ability to be physically present at the clinic is
limited, and the people I’m working with are either volunteers themselves on
different schedules, or employees, or the director here, organizing times to get
together is proving to be quite a challenge. I have spent a lot of time working
on part of a project for the Healthy Lifestyles program, but am now at a
standstill until I can get some feedback from the program director.
It is hard to be here with nothing to work on and no real desk space
of my own. I feel very much like a “student” again! I remain optomistic though,
because the projects I am/will be involved in are interesting and very much in
line with what I have been learning in the MPHN program. To be
continued…
Hi Jennifer.
You’ve found something that can happen quite often when busy, productive people collaborate with one another. It’s hard to make schedules meld.
Is there any chance you can set up a meeting by phone?
FYI, we’ve been playing with Skype in the NUTR 793 seminar because the 2 students living/working in Africa are having trouble getting Wimba to work. Skype can be almost like a face-to-face meeting — it’s the next best thing.
Just some thoughts and ideas. Maybe others can add their suggestions, too.
Dr. Patsy
HI Jennifer – Ginny is having similar experiences. Please see my response to her post! You may need to feel out how best to reach different people – some people are real quick in answering emails, others are best if you catch them first thing in the morning in person, etc. After a while you know these things at a worksite, but it is still new for you, and with new collaborators, it may take time to find an interaction schedule that works for all. But it will!
Dr C