The Impact of Opportunity: Reflections of a TASA 2024 Bursary Recipient by Anita Ogbeide
As a newcomer to the world of Sociology, TASA's 2024 conference provided a welcoming space for me as my first Sociology event. The attendees were approachable and eager to engage in conversations about academic and professional interests. As an introvert in an unfamiliar setting, the buddy system and networking game at the Welcome Reception and on Post-Grad Day served as crucial icebreakers, helping me feel comfortable and seen.
Before the networking event, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop facilitated by Dr. Khin Myint on "Translating Research into Fiction and Memoir." This workshop offered a fresh perspective on creative writing, encouraging me to view it not just as an art form but as a way to explore oneself intuitively. This revelation was a lightbulb moment for me, particularly in the context of my ongoing PhD research, as it prompted reflection on the intersection of creativity and academic work.
The bursary support from TASA was invaluable, giving my research a platform to reach audiences who might not have encountered it otherwise – giving it wings, a voice and access. This support further gave an opportunity to learn about differences, similarities and new approaches that I had never considered. For example, Aimee Sinclair's presentation from Curtin University highlighted the use of "Mad Studies” in challenging the traditional, linear approach to research processes, in a way I had never considered at the Methodology and Social Theory session.
My ongoing PhD presentation, titled "Centring a Space for Diverse Knowledge: The Voices of Culturally, Ethnically, and Linguistically Diverse (CEALD) Health Professionals in Health Services and Delivery," focuses on questioning and creating space for knowledge that exists outside the framework of Western standards. Dr. Yirga Gelaw Woldeyes’ keynote address resonated deeply with my work, particularly his emphasis on the importance of Pluriversality in knowledge creation. His powerful conclusion—an original poem in his native language—reinforced the significance of embracing diverse forms of knowledge. Seeing Dr. Yirga, an African scholar doing remarkable work in my area of interest, gave me hope and faith that epistemic justice is attainable.
A personal highlight of the conference was having a conversation with Dr. Yirga after his keynote. The opportunity to discuss my research and ask him questions was an experience I couldn’t have imagined elsewhere. This encounter reaffirmed the the collaborative journey I have been on with colleagues on Pluriversaling health research and teaching: a participatory exploration, which we also presented at the conference via Padlet.
Lastly, the conference offered a chance to explore Perth’s vibrant city, and I had the pleasure of sharing a Curry with TASA delegate Kiran Bedi from India, who has since become a friend. This experience truly encapsulates what TASA is about—connecting beyond academia, fostering cross-cultural relationships, and creating lasting memories.
Postgraduate day – Registration and Welcome Reception
Presentations at the Conference at the Sociology of Health Stream
Making connections and chasing down Curry 😊
