Reviving Enthusiasm from Previous Academic Terms

By Jalisha Braxton, Study Abroad and Natural Sciences Correspondent

In the heart of London, at University College London (UCL), a student embarks on an exciting journey of research for their Junior Paper (JP). This semester, the author, who previously studied in the Engineering Sequence during the Fall Semester, has decided to delve into the fascinating world of linguistics.

Last semester, the author was tasked with writing a Dean's Date paper for a linguistics course. The assignment, which focused on children using categorization to acquire language skills, served as a catalyst for a newfound passion. After spending countless hours researching and writing the paper, the author found themselves drawn to the intricacies of linguistics.

The professor at UCL whose course the student took, and whose pioneering research in British Sign Language linguistics is well-known, is likely Professor Bencie Woll from the UCL Division of Psychology & Language Sciences.

As the author prepares to delve deeper into this field, they are eager to start working on their JP. They feel that this area of research is a perfect fit for their interests and passion. The new semester, which began a few weeks ago, marks the beginning of an exciting journey into the unknown realms of psycholinguistic development.

The author's experience at UCL thus far has been marked by the challenges of a hybrid semester, but they remain undeterred. The transition from their previous semester location at Princeton has been seamless, and they do not dwell on the past once a new one begins.

This article is part of the "Research Abroad" and "Junior Paper (JP)" categories, offering insights into the experiences and challenges of studying and researching abroad. Stay tuned for more updates as the author delves deeper into their research and begins their JP journey.