Always Try Again

By Raissa Henderson

Time really passes by quickly as it was not too long ago, on September 21, 2016, to be exact, that I was accepted into the Internship Program at the Create Caribbean Research Institution. As always, this institution has provided a place full of opportunities and a time dedicated to growth in the wide field of research. The interns, like myself, have been busy contributing to this organization by doing in-depth research of the projects received, and by participating in the Digital Humanities course at the Dominica State College.

My project is a detailed exhibit of the Eastern Caribbean Maroons. Before beginning research on this historical theme, I was not very interested in it since I had little to no idea of its relevance to me. Yet, because of my understanding of the significance of the awareness of one’s history, I remained open-minded and now I am glad I did. The articles I have read, the pictures I have seen, and the stories I have heard are very inspiring to anyone who comes across it. The Maroons were strong people who fought hard for the emancipation of our ancestors, and their doings have contributed heavily to our present, (their future). I continue research on this topic ecstatically and eager to learn more.

The Digital Humanities course aims to teach students what digital humanities is and the different aspects of the field of study in both theoretical and practical ways. This course requires us students to analyze what it means to be a digital humanist studying and practicing the skills involved by doing weekly blog entries and reflections on various articles written by expert scholars. Our writing and analysis skills are also enhanced through the semester long project that pushes us to make our own research from a specific aspect of a topic and to understand the reason digital humanists do what they do. This semester’s project is Resistance and Caribbean Reality. The purpose of this project is to address the history of resistance in a global context and that history’s impact on the future generation of our country. The topic is divided into subtopics: Education, Economics, Art, Science, Politics, Religion, and Social Welfare. I have been appointed to Education and its subtle relation to Art, and it is something I am very interested in as a student and a young person. You can see the research proposals of the project here.

I must admit, it has been a challenge for me to stay consistent and punctual and seriously committed to this institution, but, “if it is too simple, there is no reason to try. If there is no reason to try, you do not”. There are many reasons for me to try and push to do my best and the staff of Create Caribbean constantly remind me of those reasons. Therefore, I desire to try my hardest and my best to continue and to do even better at this institution and to appreciate the opportunity given to me to be an intern here.

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