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Jin Li, Human Geographer
Jin Li takes us through a series of images that help tell her UCL story.
29 September 2022
As a human geography researcher, I confess that we sometimes are听demanding:听craving a space that is private and cosy to digest classics and capture inspiration but also looking for a friendly and diverse community that offers us time to chill and chat, academic discussions and emotional support.
I enjoy my time in UCL Geography as it meets my expectations:听I love my desk (it is quiet and has good views); I wanted to teach and I have teaching opportunities (as a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant); I keep up to date with my friends and colleagues no matter whether it is during "a lockdown" or doing fieldwork (via the "virtual coffee morning"); I get the opportunity to talk to teachers, staff and students. I'm always impressed by how fascinating their research is.
The Bridge
A picture taken after a long interview in the field (Guangzhou, China). I was walking back to where I lived, in the rain. My backpack got wet听because my umbrella听was听too small. The picture visualised what I felt during fieldwork: I am still on my way, wandering in a city in the rain, and don't know when听it听will end; but I felt calm and听I am听enjoying it.
The Food
This picture was taken during the time of two-week hotel quarantine in Guangzhou, China. Breakfast was offered by the hotel. I requested ovo-lacto听vegetarian diet, and this was听what the hotel prepared for me: two sweet potatoes, sweet corn congee, hot red beans soya milk, fried rice noodles with broccoli and a pear. They are not my favourite,听but rich,听and tasted听not bad.
The Environment
("We love social science"): This picture was taken when I visited a participant at an international high school in Guangzhou, China. This听is听part of the exhibition I captured听and听was designed and decorated by their A-level geography students.
The Nails
I was talking to a European participant in a cafe. I noticed her nail polish/nail painting, then asked her. She explained to me that she decorated her nails for the Chinese National Holiday (Oct 1st). The theme of this set of nails is the national flag of the PRC.