I would have two maps describing the two main places I work for my online fellowship. The first map would be of my bedroom, which is the heart of my virtual work environment. It’s where I attend virtual fellowship meetings, engage in online brainstorms, as well as plan the meetings I host throughout the summer. My home workspace is marked with my computer and notepad while I designate my bed area for relaxation only in order to try and maintain a work-life balance. The second map would be of my local cafe. This space offers a change of scenery for me as well as the ability to focus more closely on my work than I do at home. On my map, I would mark my favorite study spot, an isolated booth with a window facing the sidewalk. I usually work on tasks that don’t require me to be in a meeting/zoom at the cafe and instead work on more planning-based tasks while I enjoy a coffee and bagel.
Comparing this map to my spheres from before starting my online fellowship, there would be some noticeable differences:
- Increased Home Presence: My home would dominate the map more prominently during the fellowship period compared to before. As an online fellowship student, the majority of my work and study time happens at home, resulting in a greater focus on this space.
- Inclusion of the Cafe: The addition of the cafe on my map would be a new feature. Before the fellowship, I might not have spent as much time working or studying outside of my home. The fellowship experience has encouraged me to seek out new environments for productivity and social interaction.
- Reduced Campus or Communal Spaces: In contrast to my pre-fellowship life, my map would likely show a decrease in the presence of campus or communal spaces. Since the fellowship is primarily conducted online, my physical presence on campus or other communal areas might have decreased significantly.
- Virtual Connections: While not physically represented on the map, there might be symbolic elements indicating virtual spaces that are important in my fellowship experience. This could include online platforms, forums, or virtual meeting spaces where I engage with my fellowship peers and mentors.