Researchers

“How do you conduct a research visit during the coronavirus crisis? I arrived in Melbourne for my secondment from the University of Vaasa to RMIT about 2 weeks before the city went into lockdown. All the plans and goals that I had for the 3 months vanished as it started to dawn what the new reality would be.

Things that I had taken for granted (like working on the university premises and meeting people face-to-face) were no longer possible. After the initial shock and disappointment subsided, I re-evaluated my circumstances and found much to like. Firstly, here was an opportunity to fully concentrate on my second article, and I ended up taking it from a vague idea of what it would be about, to data collection and analysis, and a rough first draft, in 3 months.

Secondly, I took full advantage of one of the four acceptable reasons to leave the house: to exercise. Within walking distance, we had beautiful parks and beaches that provided wonderful surroundings for all kinds of exercising, and this daily practice benefitted my work in unexpected ways.

Thirdly, I discovered the strength of my closest relationships; a husband I can rely on for anything, and my kids who didn’t for one minute regret not being able to visit the Zoo or the amusement park but who lacked nothing as they learned how to ride a scooter, climb trees, and where the juiciest worms were to be found.

 

And so, I am immensely grateful for my OIT secondment; just for very different reasons than I expected to be.