My name is Nataliia Chubenko, I am an international student from Ukraine, currently in my second year of studying English and Creative Writing. Over the course of the Collaborative Research Internship, I had the privilege to be a part of Dr Amy Burge’s fascinating project centered around reading and reviewing the captivating world of “bonkbusters” in British newspapers from 1970 to 1990. For those unfamiliar, bonkbusters represent a subgenre of romance literature. Let me take you through my exciting journey and share my experience during this remarkable internship.
During my internship, I was entrusted with a range of engaging tasks, including reviewing and studying numerous newspaper articles sourced from archives databases. I meticulously crafted summaries of these articles and organized the data into an excel table for further exploration. I must confess, the undertaking was not without its challenges. It demanded a considerable amount of time, unwavering patience, sharp research abilities, a keen eye for detail, and a flair for critical thinking. Nevertheless, I found immense satisfaction in my work, particularly in delving into the treasure troves of old archives. The opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of “bonkbusters” and gain proficiency in handling such valuable resources was truly enriching, leaving a lasting impact on my personal and professional growth.
As part of my internship, I had the incredible opportunity to actively participate in the IASPR: Romance Revitalized conference held in Birmingham on June 29th-30th. My responsibilities during the event encompassed managing the registration desk with utmost enthusiasm and dedication. As guests arrived, I warmly accommodated them, offering helpful guidance and efficiently registering newcomers while promptly addressing any queries they had.
The conference itself proved to be a truly mesmerizing experience. Amidst the lecture sessions, I had the privilege of immersing myself in captivating discussions led by eminent speakers from various fields. The topics ranged from thought-provoking studies on film, television, and media to the profound insights of social sciences, critical race, feminism, and queer and disability studies. Each session unfolded new dimensions of knowledge, expanding my intellectual horizons and igniting my passion for these diverse disciplines.
I am sincerely grateful for the invaluable opportunity to partake in this research internship. The experience has proven immensely beneficial, equipping me with a wealth of knowledge and skills that will undoubtedly serve me well in my future projects. I acquired a vast amount of learning, which I am confident will positively impact my personal and professional growth going forward.
Nataliia Chubenko, BA English and Creative Writing