Information Retrieval Class

 There's something about a Professor you know will create an inspiring and engaging class. There's a spark, a deeper interest in the subject matter and you can sense their passion.

 One of my favorite professors with the iSchool happened Fall 2021. It was already a rather raw, and challenging time. But upon receiving the notice about the class I would take with her- Information Retrieval System Designs, there was something that compelled me to know it would be interesting and she would be a great teacher.

That class really helped me that semester- not just with learning new material in the field of library science, but also having an amazing professor (and still one of my favorites!) I loved her enthusiasm for the content. Initially, it was a bit dry and technical, but her presence on her lectures made me more intrigued to learn and understand more. 

I always looked forward to her lectures. They were well thought out, engaging and an helpful overview for the week ahead. She had 'connect sessions' where after watching her lecture, you would write in the discussion post your impressions, thoughts and opinions based on the content of the lecture. It was a great tool to stay connected with the class and see their thoughts and questions written out. It was easy points, but more importantly a way to engage (which is hard enough over online classes). 

I liked how she allowed for her students to think outside the box- and think more deeply and critically about Information Retrieval and how its important and relevant to you. It took me almost the whole semester for that to click. 

Some reflection pieces I really liked that she had at the beginning of the semester and repeated at the end I wrote down were:

-You're not alone

-Study Time. Me Time. (light a candle to make it an enjoyable and relaxing experience)

-Learning is Messy- things won't be perfect

-Scholarly Conversation

-Extend Grace. Communicate. Be the Solution. Not the problem. Make sure all voices are heard.

-Do I belong here? Field needs diverse people, needs, skillsets.

-How can I contribute here?

- Challenges (can't compare ourselves to others, keep moving forward, one step at a time.)

-You are not your user

-Self Reflection

-Learning and Friction (has to be a challenge in order to grow, learn)

-The Journey (point on a journey, not a destination)

-Have fun. Enjoy the learning process. 

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 I enjoyed hearing about her former career as an assistant librarian at a college and working with students. I was instantly inspired and felt somewhat compelled that that's perhaps the route I wanted to take.

Last summer, I reached out to her regarding the pathway of academic librarianship and more information about it, as well as how to get your foot in the door. She had some useful and helpful tips in her voice message to me. I had a feeling I would figure things with time out and opportunities would introduce themselves.

When I think about the most amount of learning and content for my classes thus far as well as my favorite professor- this class and Professor comes to mind, and for that I am grateful! It made that semester so much more engaging, inspiring and interesting.