Week 2

3 Accomplishments from the week:

With complete transparency, I would have to say that my main accomplishment was being able to focus and be productive despite being mentally exhausted. Secondly, I found a better topic to focus my research on after looking through the letters further. The other accomplishment I would like to highlight is that I established attainable goals for my research process going forward.

3 things preventing my best work this week:

Most of the things that prevented my best work this week came from outside sources. I was having to travel home every day for family matters and church obligations, so I was mentally and physically exhausted. A separate but related struggle is that I felt very disconnected because I was not with my cohort as much as I would have liked to be. I was also struggling to get used to the laptop I was provided with and navigate the Microsoft apps, but those issues seem to be resolving themselves fairly quickly.

3 things I learned this week:

One of the things that I learned this week was how to be more fluid with my writing process. As someone who is used to the quick deadlines and simplicity of journalistic writing, it was helpful to learn a process that allows for a longer as less linear approach. I also learned some beneficial processes for formulating my research question(s). Furthermore, I learned a lot about the different types of AI, how they work and the related complications that can arise. 

The next action/step/thing I need to do for my research:

The next step I need to do for my research is to compile more sources and write literature reviews as I decide which sources I want to use in my research. 

Tentative Research Question(s):

• What were the reasons for desertion of Confederate soldiers during the Civil War?

• What did deserters do after leaving Confederate troops?

• What actions were/were not taken in response to desertion?