More Than An Expert
David Stokes // Winthrop University
Expectations: After having Stokes as a professor my sophomore year, I knew I wanted to discuss my thesis with him. I really appreciate the way he is able to explain his ideas and his gift for looking at situations and projects in a completely different, unique light. Also, with his experience, I was fairly certain he would have some good advice to pass on to me. I was curious to hear what he would have to say about my thesis ideas and what new thoughts he would be able to plant in my head about it.
Results: I left my meeting with Stokes equipped with several new thoughts about my thesis. He seemed to be on board with my concept and how it would help people improve their environment. We discussed the packaging of my product and how to develop it in such a way that it also would be eco-friendly. With this in mind, I want to strive to make my end product have as little impact on the environment as possible. This will entail researching recyclable and biodegradable materials, as well as attempting to minimize the carbon footprint. To start moving more in this direction, I am reconsidering the main materials that I will be creating my planters with. The recycled glass bottles will be great, but I think I want to use biodegradable hemp or cotton cord instead of nylon to make the hanging structure.
Most importantly, Stokes passed on the exact words of encouragement I needed to hear in order to keep on keeping on. No one ever really mentions this in class, but this type of working lifestyle can certainly wear on your well-being, physically and emotionally. Stokes helped me turn my perspective around, so that instead of focusing on the stressful aspects of the process, I can now view the process as an adventure in which I get to create something that I am really excited about. However, he explained that the stress is simply a reality, but that I can plan my production accordingly so that it will have less of a negative impact on my life. From here on out, I will be working on my thesis everyday, even if it is just for a few minutes. Having it constantly on my mind will keep me from lulls and improve my thesis development. I also plan to keep a journal both on and offline of my daily interactions with my thesis, the physical and the emotional ones. Lastly, Stokes has offered to stay along side me while I continue through to the end of my thesis, not only as a professor to give his input, but also as a trainer of sorts to keep me moving along. I received more advice from Stokes than I even expected, and I look forward to learning more from him as my thesis project develops.
