Reciprocity

I really hope that after my experience with my host family that they feel that my presence was a blessing rather than a burden. I could gather the best information in the world, but if I leave behind in Mexico a whole bunch of acquaintances anxious to be rid of me, I will have failed my field study experience. Part of the study is complete immersion and that includes being accepted by the natives and feeling united with them. With all this being said, I want to consider what would be effective and appropriate methods of reciprocity.

Starting with my host family, there will obviously be some physical reciprocation for their hospitality, but I think it should extend past that. They should constantly hear and feel my appreciation for their service. I want to take time to get to know them and hear about their lives. I bet that they will also want to get to know me and hear about my life. Some call this process building rapport, but I think that diminishes idea of what really need to take place. In reality it’s building friendships and caring relationships.  By the end of my field study, I hope it’s really hard to say good bye to my host family and I can leave them with a sincere letter of appreciation for their generosity and friendship.

For the teachers, students and parents I work with, my reciprocity will not be as sentimental and personal as with my host family, but it should still be significant, especially with the teachers. I hope as I do my study I will be able to update them about the discoveries of my research and compliment them on their teaching methods. They shouldn’t feel I am critiquing their teaching, but that I want to learn from them. I also plan on being an assistant in his/her classroom in whatever ways possible.

The parents I interview should at least receive a thank-you note for their participation. I hope they enjoy the interviews I have with them and don’t feel that they were “subjects” with the purpose adding to my data.

In conclusion, I can’t think of all the ways I can show reciprocity without having personal experience in the field, but I do have an idea of the impression I want to leave behind. I want all those with whom I associated with to have enjoyed their participation in my project and feel my appreciation for their participation.