Coming into the semester working as a digital mentor definitely has come with its rewards and challenges. When I first heard that we were going to work during the semester with faculty and students, I really liked the helping and teaching aspect of the job. I think teaching is one aspect that has been one of the most rewarding of our job as digital mentors. I love teaching others about digital humanities; it is something that I feel passionate about. Whether it is a one-on-one mentoring session or a presentation, it is always rewarding to see people engaged and interested in what we have to say about digital scholarship. To be able to share my passion for digital humanities with others and see the excitement for digital scholarship is one of the most fulfilling things ever. It makes what the digital scholars did over the summer matter.
Although I have not run into any challenges, I think one of the challenges of this job would be pleasing everyone. As digital mentors we want to be able to carry out the vision professors or students have in their mind. But sometimes what we want or can do, can clash with the professor/students expectations. One of my favorite quotes that has been said at one of our meeting is:
“People have this idea that they are going to build a castle in the sky. As digital mentors it is our job to show that they can build a log cabin in the sky.”-Janelle Wertzberger
Funny, right? But true. We do not want to disappoint anyone and the last thing we want to do is turn someone away from pursuing a digital project. So, finding that balance between reality vs. fantasy or feasibility vs. expectations is challenging.
That being said, I believe we offer a unique perspective on digital projects. I am not going to lie; digital projects are intimidating. You do not know what to expect or how your digital project is going to turn out if it is your first time creating one. Digital mentors are able to show what undergraduates can accomplish in two months and that yes, creating a digital project is possible. We not only show that creating a digital project is possible, but we show that students can create these projects. Digital mentors represent both digital scholarship and students.
Although I have not yet extensively worked with students or faculty, I am excited to start and see what we only discussed in the summer turn into reality.
Best Wishes,
Keira
