Reflection

What did you enjoy about this project?

I enjoyed the research process more than anything. Finding out more and more information about the history of Trinity, Calgaard, and the Bell Center was fascinating. Also, seeking out the information about Calgaard's decisions and all that went into them was surprising at times but also very enjoyable. Finally, the interviews with Seth Asbury and Marc Raney were also exciting. Learning not just about the switch from an outsider's perspective but diving deep into an individual's viewpoint and stance on the decision was captivating. 

What surprised you about this project?

What surprised me about this project the most was all of the information that I was able to gather on my topic, specifically what improvements happened to the Bell Center and their cost. The interviews and database access to libguides was crucial for my research. Through this tool, the library website and other opinion articles were also available. In terms of my topic, I was surprised by how many people were affected by the improvements. Also, like me before this project, how many people don't know about them.

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

The most challenging part of the project was figuring out which sources to include and which sources to exclude. Since there was a plethora of information surrounding my topic, I wanted to include all of the information. But as my topic narrowed, I needed to cut some sources out of the project. Deciding which ones to cut was very difficult. But, with the help of Mrs. Graff and others, I managed this problem by including and sticking to my interviews and building sources off that; secondary sources that were viable were also difficult to sort through.  

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

If I could start over, I would have tried to do more interviews (before COVID-19 for sure). My one with Seth Asbury was incredible. If I was able to interview a couple more central individuals that were able to witness the improvements firsthand, I feel like my project would have been more interesting and provided more unique perspectives than just two. I would also have managed my time better throughout the semester. I did the project in chunks instead of spacing it out with my allotted time. Having managed my time more efficiently, this would have given me more time to gather more information from sources and provide an even better story of what happened to the Bell Center 1990s.

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

What I learned about history is that people who are central figures and have the power in a specific decision might change their minds about the topic at hand. Just because, in the past, one had an opinion on a decision or issue, does not mean it hasn't changed since. In terms of my project, not everybody was on board for the Bell Center improvements in 1990, but later believed it was the right call for the athletics department and Trinity University as a whole. This project also taught me how to change my way I would typically think or analyze a piece of evidence, which that within itself is a tool I can use anywhere. 

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

That success can be revamped and attained with the right people and mindset. What the individuals like Ron Calgaard accomplished for Trinity was first established with having the right attitude and objectives to achieve it. Also, that just because something is a certain way doesn't necessarily mean that it always was that way or will continue to stay that way, which is a concept that needs to be thought about more often.