• What new ideas, challenges, or other issues have you encountered with regard to your project (this might include data collection, information that contradicts your assumptions or the assertions of others, materials that have enriched your understanding of the topic or led you to change your project, etc.)? How have these ideas or challenges shaped the bigger picture of your research? Has the scope or focus of your topic changed since you began this project? If so, how?

I think I have, firstly, gained a bigger appreciation for qualitative research and especially the power of interviews and how much joy they can bring. I think that the interactions I am having with different educators has really brought my project to life which I didn't expect or fully wrap my head around until I actually began conducting interviews. I also have found in my quantitative portion where I am look at literacy rates in connection with accessibility to Latin that most schools in NYC do not offer Latin and that is definitely challenging to face. On top of that, I am collecting data for over 1,000 schools which just on sheer quantity has been somewhat of a challenge. I think this inaccessibility to Latin paired with the feedback I am getting in my interviews have made me rethink my project in that I view Latin as not simply an end all be all for literacy, but rather one tool in a larger toolbox that can be used to improve youth literacy. I believe this has made my research more applicable and encapsulates more nuance.  

• Where does your research take place--or where is a favorite place to conduct your research? Post a photo!

Lately, I have been conducting many interviews so my research has been in many different places, however I love to go downtown to this coffee shop called Stumptown when I am doing independent research. They have indoor and outdoor seating and they're coffee is very good in my opinion (although I am not an expert by any means). I enjoy working here because in between doing my work and drinking my coffee, I can people watch and enjoy being outside.