Post-JP Downturn: The Discomfort of Dean's Arranged Date
In the rural city of Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca, Mexico, a half-year project titled "The Junior Paper: A Halftime Report" was born. The paper, authored by Dylan Blau Edelstein, delves into the indigenous Zapotec culture and the acceptance of a third gender option, the muxe, in Juchitán, a community known for its progressive outlook.
During the Winter Break, Dylan dedicated countless hours to researching, writing, and revising the ethnographic non-fiction paper entirely in Spanish. He transcribed interviews, read articles, and watched documentaries, all in pursuit of understanding the work, community definitions, and the greatest issues facing women and LGBTQ+ people in the region.
The paper, titled "Independent Work: Prepare to Pace Yourself," was based on a series of in-depth interviews with activists and NGO workers in Juchitán. Dylan's selection of the topic was inspired by his academic interests and research guidance during his undergraduate studies, likely around the time he was enrolled at Harvard University.
Upon completion, Dylan submitted a 34-page labor of love, which he titled "Junior Paper," marking his single biggest academic accomplishment at Princeton. Despite the work not ending, the student believes that after all the research, writing, and expressing ideas, they and others deserve some rest.
As Dylan tries to revel in small moments, such as chocolate breaks, friends, work-free meals, and time away from the computer, he acknowledges the need to maintain sanity. However, his celebration must be cut short as he faces the upcoming Dean's Date papers and exam period.
The "Junior Paper" can be printed, emailed to a friend, or shared on Reddit, making Dylan's work accessible to a wider audience. Dylan's academic achievement not only showcases his dedication to his studies but also his passion for exploring and understanding diverse cultures.
