Why do I enjoy research?

Some people think research is boring, a drag, but research is one of the things I enjoy most about being an anthropologist.

So, why do I enjoy it?

For me research is a way to see the world without having to travel. Ever since I was a little kid, I loved reading as much as I could - learning as much as I could.

One of my favorite book series was the Dear America books. They were fictional books that focused on the lives of different girls across American history. Even though I didn’t know it then, in some ways I was doing research. I branched out and started reading actual biographies.

Then it was off to the races. I gobbled up everything that got in front of me, and just wanted to learn more, more, more. Even more than I was being taught in school. I sought out books on topics I was interested in, read forums, read news articles.

Then, I found a program that let me explore that research side. Anthropology, history, and journalism classes taught me how to deep-dive into research. I learned how to find sources, conduct interviews, and synthesize my research.

Sure, my research still had to be somewhat class relevant, but I’ve been given the opportunity to look into so many topics. I’ve studied Kentuckian professional wrestlers, the introduction of TMMK to Georgetown, and different media laws internationally.

Now, I get to research market trends and labor rights. I explore what makes people good leaders, and how to motivate students. In a lot of ways, I’m putting my research skills to use. I’m applying my research and teaching others about what I do.

I love research because it lets me see a world outside of my own and help others while doing it.