{"id":4874,"date":"2016-04-29T15:21:02","date_gmt":"2016-04-29T02:21:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesislink.aut.ac.nz\/?p=4874"},"modified":"2016-08-01T09:44:02","modified_gmt":"2016-07-31T21:44:02","slug":"april-2016-upc-postgraduate-writers-retreat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesislink.aut.ac.nz\/?p=4874","title":{"rendered":"April 2016 UPC Postgraduate Writers’ Retreat"},"content":{"rendered":"

We are thrilled to announce the completion of another successful UPC Postgraduate Writers’ Retreat at Vaughan Park, Long Bay. The retreat took place from 18 to 21 April, offering an opportunity for independent writing time to 20 postgraduate research students at AUT.
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Feedback from the event has come in different expressions:<\/p>\n

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Room 2: Immersive Space<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sounds of heavy machinery, Dump of the dump truck<\/p>\n

Turning of the bus, Songs of the tui<\/p>\n

Radio NZ, Chattering children<\/p>\n

Barking doggies, Squawking gulls<\/p>\n

50 shades of grey, Women close by<\/p>\n

Merging, Creating a sound of silence<\/p>\n

Unless of course, I be a conscious listener<\/p>\n

Otherwise, A warm comfortable quilt<\/p>\n

A homely space of quiet retreat<\/p>\n

The privilege of inner reflection<\/p>\n

Curious questions, Carefully crafted sentences<\/p>\n

My Big Story<\/p>\n

Patsi <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The UPC Postgraduate Writers’ retreat was a fantastic experience for me. It not only gave me a jump start on my writing, but I took away some valuable tips that have helped me to maintain my writing practice now that I am back home. Jacques <\/em><\/p>\n

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Jambo\u00a0Jennie & Pedro,<\/p>\n

Thanks you two for organising such an empowering and invigorating Writing Retreat. For me, it gave\u00a0me special\u00a0consecrated time to focus on my writing. I was able to complete one chapter (last part)\u00a0and start a new one. Without this Retreat, I was not going to be able to accomplish this. Without any hesitation, I highly recommend this Retreat to my fellow students.<\/p>\n

KiaOra and Jambo!!!!! Tuwe (PhD Candidate)<\/em><\/p>\n

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The writers retreat was a fantastic opportunity for uninterrupted writing time and building project momentum. Great food and a chance to meet people at all different stages of their postgraduate studies. I highly recommend it. Joshua<\/em><\/p>\n

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Not only was I gifted with distraction free time and space, but the group as a whole was inspiring and reminded me why I am passionate about research. Thanks for the opportunity! Julia<\/em><\/p>\n

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Many thanks for the rare privilege and opportunity to attend the PG Writer’s Retreat. I found it a remarkable opportunity, as a Master of Creative Writing candidate, and trying to work full-time. I was able to focus on writing with no distractions. Although I come from a different angle, one that doesn’t fit into the traditional thesis methodology, I nevertheless gained a valuable insight\u00a0into the writing process through your excellent and nurturing sessions, which I know others attending also found insightful. I think above all it’s an excellent opportunity for PG students to come together from different\u00a0disciplines.<\/p>\n

I got a full 3 chapters of my creative project completed, which in 3 days is quite an achievement. Thank you again. Lincoln<\/em><\/p>\n

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The retreat gave me the space and time to really make sense of the ideas I’ve had floating in my head for a while, and most importantly, get those ideas down as concrete writing pieces. The discussions I’ve had with researchers has been extremely valuable, and I have left the retreat feeling a lot more confident in my ability to finish my Master’s thesis on time (especially after hearing others speak of their own work and processes). A heartfelt thank you to the facilitators and researchers for a wonderful writer’s retreat. Roxanne<\/em><\/p>\n

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Two key benefits of the rewriting retreat; quick access to peer and staff support plus distraction free time to focus, immerse and write! In terms of \u2018progression\u2019, this is, for me, one of the most valuable services provided by the UPC \u2013 highly recommended! Tracy<\/em><\/p>\n

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The retreat was super-valuable as it allowed me time to focus on my writing for long period of time without distractions \u2013 you don\u2019t realise how much time domestic chores swallow until someone else is doing them all for you! I found that being in the thinking zone for such long periods helped my conceptual thinking kick up a gear and I made huge progress in my time at Vaughan Park. Every woman needs a room of one\u2019s own, and this one very much appreciated her bolthole at Long Bay. He mihi nui ki a koutou katoa ki te Whare Tohu Paerunga! Big thanks to all those at the Postgraduate Centre! Julie<\/em><\/p>\n

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The retreat was truly enriching and a rediscovery of my thesis journey. It has set a pace that’ll confidently take me (within the expected timeframe) to the end of my thesis.\u00a0Thank you, Jennie, Pedro, and above all, AUT. Sama<\/em><\/p>\n

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Many thanks to all who made possible the Vaughan Park writing retreat. I found it extremely helpful. It allowed me to focus on the demands of starting my data analysis. The retreat gave me the time and the space to work without interruptions. My thinking benefited from kind encouragements and inspiration from other colleagues participants. Special thanks to Jennie Billot and Pedro Silva, who gently and professionally guided us to reach the outcome that we planned. I hope that many other AUT students will be able to benefit from this kind of support in the future, and if I am allowed a suggestion, an extra day will work miracles. \u00a0Lucia<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thank you Jennie and Pedro for helping me to participate in the retreat. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the retreat. It was a perfect balance of components and each one added something \u2013 time for reflection, new learning, connecting with some lovely people, receiving \u00a0some wonderful guidance, soothing environment and lovely food.\u00a0\u00a0 An incredible opportunity to grow, deepen old knowledge, learn new skills, and take it all forward. Kaberi<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thank you so much for the valuable opportunity to attend the writers retreat 18th<\/sup> \u2013 21st<\/sup> April. I personally was able to gain a lot of knowledge and get myself some very valuable experience with sharing information and ideas with other students that attended. The tutors that were there to support us gave us the experience of their expertise and offered one on one sessions. As a rural student having peer support has proven to be very beneficial and having that time out for myself\u00a0 has been a giant step forward. Once again thank you and please keep these retreats moving forward. Marg<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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