Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s concept of “many stories matter” from “The Danger of a Single Story” offers valuable guidance for research, even beyond the realm of social sciences. Embracing this idea reminds us as researchers to approach topics with openness to diverse perspectives. For instance, when delving into a subject such as the impact of future technologies, like robots, it’s essential to recognize that singular narratives may offer limited insights. By actively seeking out and incorporating multiple narratives, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Just as Adichie warns against the dangers of a single story, we must explore a range of perspectives to avoid overlooking crucial nuances and possibilities. This approach not only enriches our research process but also fosters a more inclusive and thorough analysis of the subject matter.
My name is Jay’len Alcin, I go by Alci or Jay, sometimes JaytheGreat. I’m from Tampa Florida I graduated high school a year early as a junior to pursue a degree in Mechatronics and Robotics engineering at SIUE. I like to think of myself as a “Dreamer” a person whose boundless imagination drives them to pursue their dream. In my mind, I envision robots, gadgets, and devices straight out of science fiction, such as teleportation, force fields, nanotechnology, or magnetic levitation applied to transportation. While I recognize that these ideas may seem far-fetched for now, the challenge of overcoming the seemingly impossible to create devices that could revolutionize the world and aid humanity drives my passion for achievement and success.
I’m fervent in anything STEM-related and love to create and tinker with things. Over the years, I’ve embarked on personal projects ranging from drones and RC cars to robotic arms and Electro/magnetic levitation. Currently, I’m a part of the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities program at my university, my research team and I are developing a large-format FDM 3D Printer.
If I’m being honest, nobody perceives me as I perceive myself. Some may have a clue, while others might see me entirely differently, and that’s fine… for now. If someone were to tell my story, I wouldn’t want it to be definitive. I’m still learning, growing, and constantly adjusting to everything. I wouldn’t want there to be a definitive story about me when my story isn’t finished yet. In the future, sure, but as of now, I’d like it to be short, concise, and open-ended to people’s imaginations.