Reflection

What did you enjoy about this project?


I truly enjoyed all of the steps that it took to put together and complete this project. Prior to this project, conducting historical research was not something I had much experience in. Thankfully I was given full access to the digital Mirage and Trinitonian, which made some of my research very easy to find. Not only did I research my subject, Upshaw, but I was also able to research my interview subjects, my fraternity, and many historical happenings on Trinity's campus. Another aspect I enjoyed was conducting an interview and communicating with two Trinity alumni. I have always enjoyed speaking with adults and listening to the lessons they have learned, the things they have experienced, and how they have gotten to where they are now. A special thanks goes out to both Eric Weiss ('68) and Ron Pritz ('69), as I could not have completed this project without their input and assistance. Finally, I enjoyed getting to explore through Special Collections on the second floor of the Coates Library on multiple occasions. I got to see and read through a lot of interesting pictures and articles that I would have never have been exposed to if it were not for Dr. Morais and the Special Collections staff. 

What surprised you about this project?


What surprised me the most is the amount of time I put in to this project from the start to finish. From the proposal, to the research check-ins, to the historical narrative, and finally the exhibit, this project has led to many long afternoons and evenings in the library and a lot of time researching and typing up my findings.

What was the most challenging aspect of the project, and how did you manage it?

The most challenging aspect of the project was deciding on what to and what not to include in my final paper and exhibit. Prior to creating the exhibit I had over forty pages of information to work with, including notes, research, interviews, and previous papers I completed for this project. I managed this challenge by being more concise with my points, sticking to my focus of the paper, and cutting the time frame of events and subjects to focus on down to the first four years Upshaw attended Trinity. 


If you could start over, what would you do differently?


I would definitely contact more interview subjects and reach out to them earlier on, rather than as late as I did. I also wished that I had done more research on the "T" Association and the what Upshaw was like as president of the organization. 

What did you learn about history and/or the historical process through this project?

I learned that it is not easy. The creator of prjects such as this one has to be accurate, factual, and careful to not insert his or her own opinion on subjects. I also learned that creators often spend a lot of time conducting research that will eventually not be used in the final product; and that is okay.  Finally, I learned that the historical process is somethig I am interested in and something I might like to do again on a different subject sometime in the future. 

What did you learn through this project that can be applied to life outside the classroom?

Through this project I was able to connect with two Trinity alumni. Networking amongst your school's alumni can definitely be applied to life outside the classroom because of the advice and assistance that alumni can offer. Also, the ability to practice interviewing people can be applied to life outside of the classroom. This practice makes future conversations with adults go smoother and you learn how to ask good questions in order to get good answers.

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I hope you have enjoyed viewing my exhibit on Marvin Upshaw.

If you have any comments, questions, concerns, or information you would like for me to add, please feel free to contact me by e-mail (dking2@trinity.edu).