conference reflection

On the 19th April 2024, I had the pleasure of presenting and chairing a panel at the annual Textualities conference hosted by the students of the various UCC MA English programmes, this year by the Modernities and Med to Ren classes. The conference– although admittedly stress-inducing to the Nth degree in the preceding days, weeks, months…– turned out to be an altogether pleasant, enjoyable, and deeply rewarding experience to wrap up a time I’m quite confident in labeling the most fun and enriching time I’ve had in university.

The day kicked off with the panel I was presenting in: Dystopia and Despair. I was also the very first speaker of the day (minus Ava, who– I begrudgingly admit– kicked off the day and panel fantastically). I was nervous being the first speaker. I arrived at the room at 7:30 that morning to squeeze some extra practice time at the podium. I felt I had a responsibility to set the tone for the day. But the second I stepped to that podium and looked at the crowd, any nerves I had just washed away.

(my first glimpse of the room; the picture I sent into the group chat to give people a head's up of the layout)

I did look at my script a lot, I could have looked up a little more. But I was happy with what I did. I know my limitations, and if the script was not there, I know that the anxiety would have taken over. I am happy, both with myself and the wider panel, for the successful beginning of the day. I think, in hindsight, placing myself and Marc as the first two speakers of the day was perhaps a mistake, given the depressing real world implications of our research, but getting the overtly sad presentations out of the way in the beginning might have been a blessing too.

After each speaker finished their presentations, the chair opened the room to questions, of which I only received one. And, even then, it was a question for both Marc and I. It was a question of applying the theory I presented to the texts Marc discussed in his presentation. I felt it was more a question aimed at Marc, I was unfamiliar with his texts, and expressed as much in the moment, but had I known that would be the only question, I might’ve engaged a little more. I’m hoping the lack of questions is down to me being the first of the longest panel of five (!!!) speakers and the other presenters were fresher in the minds of the audience. Regardless I am proud of my research and the work of my fellow panelists.

(Panel One)

After the first panel concluded, I ran to the Student Centre and got some food as I hadn’t yet. I then ran back to the conference room as I was the chair for the second panel of the day, entitled ‘Unpacking Female Subjectivity Across Form and Place.’ The ironic fact that the only male chair hosting the women’s panel was not lost on me or my fellow panelists. In the lead up to the event, we liaised through a Google Doc, video meetings, and frequent coffees and they were a source of comfort for the frequent technical difficulties and miscommunications that cropped up.

Joseph unfortunately was not able to attend the conference, which meant that we only had three speakers and an hour-long slot and I must admit my priorities were making sure that they wouldn’t get too anxious or tired during the Q&A, which was what contributed to my decision in wrapping up the session early. I think it was the correct choice; the break was needed.

(Panel Two; also, coincidentally, all four chairs)

Getting my responsibilities out of the way in the first two panels was a great coincidence, it was great being able to sit back and enjoy the final two play out and appreciate the fantastic insights made by the other students. Because they were fantastic, and I’m proud of all of the work we put into making the event a great success.

Great bunch of lads, I'll miss seeing them every week.