Project AROS: Growth and Learning

By: Michael House

Intro

Coming from a background of running a martial arts studio and facing multiple obstacles which ultimately directed me back to the hallways of academia, I've always felt a pull toward a career that would allow me to help others. In particular, my heart has always gone out to kids who have special needs or disabilities. My return to school, as an older student, was marked by a fervent search for opportunities that would bolster my research skills and allow me to make a positive difference. This led me to Project AROS, a unique research initiative, teeming with exciting projects aimed at making the world a better place through cutting-edge research methodologies. Our lead, Dr. Arnaud Kurze, seemed like a vigorous advocate for human rights; I could not resist such an opportunity that could advance my knowledge and skills in so many ways. 

Being part of Project AROS was truly an extraordinary experience. Swapping a conventional lab environment with the openness and independence of this project was initially a bit daunting. But this level of freedom allowed me to embrace my project fully, and work independently and efficiently. I was quickly acquainted with my peers and colleagues at Inkululeko, an organization that deeply resonated with my fervor for education and fairness. This match ignited my interest and fueled my curiosity to dive deeper into their work, philosophy, and principles. 

Regular meetings with my research group and online introductions allowed me to engage with fellow students and other project entities, providing a  view of their projects and expectations. The preliminary tasks guided me to construct a research strategy and goals, a vital phase that kept me aligned with the project objectives. Just by our aligned interests, I was encouraged to try not to disappoint my partner organization and was motivated to produce quality research, only by my own interest in seeing a positive outcome. 

My research primarily revolved around virtual study abroad programs— an increasingly prevalent field teeming with insightful data, which also tapped into my background in education. I developed a structured daily plan to dedicate time for research, note-taking, and data organization. The weekly discussions with my team members helped us polish our findings, explore new avenues, and identify opportunities to incorporate traditional and innovative research techniques, such as stakeholder interviews. 

Throughout the course of the project, I received unwavering support from both my allies at Inkululeko and fellow members of Project AROS. Regular virtual catch-ups, whether via Zoom or WhatsApp, kept me in the loop, ensuring I was never without assistance when needed. The main challenge was taming my independent streak and recognizing when it was necessary to ask for support.

Skills and Knowledge

Project AROS was a goldmine of skill acquisition for me, bolstering my technical prowess and fine-tuning my soft skills. An unmistakable standout was learning about ArcGIS, a software that put me behind the wheel of spatial data analysis. Beyond that, I was introduced to several data resources, datasets,  and software, invaluable tools that would aid my research inquiries in the future. 

Notably, I also dusted off and improved upon my non-technical skills – my communication abilities and creative problem solving Reaching out to various businesses and key stakeholders exposed me to several touchpoints of communication. These experiences not only helped me foster important connections but also revived my once slightly rusty business acumen. Now, I feel like I can effortlessly reconnect with the business world like I never left. 

I made great strides in remote collaboration as well. I became adept at effective remote teamwork, employing assorted tools and platforms to maintain organization and seamless communication. I once thought I had perfected this, but there's always room for improvement, and I appreciate the progress I've made so far. 

During Project AROS, I became much better skilled at data collection and organization. The data I gathered from various sources became massive pretty quickly and necessitated a customized approach to categorization. I honed my ability to effectively sort data and implement systems to aid my focus and organization. The assignments and lessons from Project AROS were fantastic at sharpening these essential research skills, and I'm appreciative of the speedy, insightful support that was instrumental in my development.

Lessons Learned

The most significant hurdles I encountered during Project AROS also served as instances for profound learning. The degree of independence I received marked a first in my educational journey, compelling me to build self-belief, enhance conventional research abilities, and sharpen absolutely crucial personal skills, such as time management, responsibility, and creative problem-solving. 

Given the flexible guidelines, I was challenged to work within self-defined boundaries, ensuring that I didn't lose sight of my research question amidst distractions. This liberty, however, also opened up room for me to navigate various strategies and foster creative thinking; a process that was as gratifying as it was tough. Even now, I often contemplate the different solutions I could have employed, which signifies the project's lasting influence on my evolution as a researcher. 

Initially, gaining momentum in academic settings and research post an extended hiatus from education was daunting. Nevertheless, Project AROS materialized as the idyllic setting that bolstered my self-confidence and abilities, offering just the right mix of guidance and support to keep me from feeling swamped. 

Owing to the research's open-ended nature, I encountered a few unexpected twists and findings, triggering a change in course. Usually requiring out-of-the-box thinking to weave in the research's relevance to the stakeholder community. This experience underscored the necessity of adaptability, resilience, and effective communication skills.

Takeaways

Looking back at my journey with Project AROS, I'm filled with gratitude for the wealth of knowledge, skills, and experiences I've come away with. The newfound organizational techniques, research proficiency, soft skills, networking opportunities, and valuable lessons I've learned will undeniably serve me well in my future academic endeavors, research labs, and classes. This experience has genuinely sparked a deep interest in research within me, and I feel better prepared now to collaborate, manage my time effectively, and plan intricate projects. 

Now feeling self-assured that I hold a competitive advantage with scholarly pursuits, I only wish I could have learned these skills sooner on my academic path. I'm eager to leverage the knowledge I've gained in my upcoming projects, assured that my foundations are solid in reseach, team collaboration, and problem-solving will guide me. 

To anyone contemplating signing up for Project AROS, I urge you, wholeheartedly, to seize the opportunity. You'll not only contribute to noble causes that align with your interests but also acquire vital skills in an engaging and innovative environment. You'll get the chance to interact with other students, scholars, and professionals from different parts of the globe, and you'll find outlets for your creativity in innovative ways. You'll easily get back whatever you put in, so reach out and join, it's hard to go wrong with a project that rewards you with exponentially more than you could ever put in.

So do dive in, you'll only regret missing out on the opportunites Project AROS presents.