Researcher Spotlight: Lexi Kinsey

By Emmie Meeks and Lexi Kinsey

What was it about the Busload of Books project that made you decide to accept the offer to join the research team? 

LK: Each person involved with the project demonstrates such multifaceted perspectives to the table, and it became my personal mission to get involved; as I could both learn from and contribute to elevated, constructive conversations. Busload of Books is an indelible project for the Washington College community, and having my name associated with it offers a great sense of contribution. Meaningful, authentic work is of very high regard in my mind, and the team has provided these attributes strongly. The research connects a span of individuals from diverse backgrounds for the shared purpose of extending literacy and creativity to demographics that are often underserved in these areas, which is another component of what made me accept the offer! It is not lost on me that this project offers the unique, generative space to work closely with talented individuals and watch my work in action-I am incredibly humbled and thankful. 

What specific jobs have you taken on as a student researcher? What have they taught you?   

LK: Since beginning my Busload of Books journey, I’ve had the opportunity to try my hand at various tasks! The first of the process was packing envelopes for the host institutions with surveys for students and teachers! This step was rewarding for me, as recognizing that a small portion of the project in full was completed by my efforts, and children across the country may grow in their love for reading because of it. Following the boxes, I learned a bit about entering data to track responses from the surveys. Admittedly, this step was intimidating, as my experience with Excel is sparse, and I was fearful of interfering with the numbers. Under sound guidance, I came to the realization that moving accurately is exponentially more important than speed, and to not get discouraged by how quickly I can input numeric information. Both have taught me lessons on patience and reflection of self in the work you do! I’ve gained the knowledge that with something as perceivably menial as clerical duties are vital to the process and model the ability to stay organized, efficient, and dedicated.  

How does the Busload of Books project relate to your studies at Washington College? 

LK: As a Psychology/Sociology student with a Social Welfare Minor, I have a special interest in working with children, be it developmentally, creatively, or in community spaces. Busload of Books entangles my enjoyment of understanding youth interactions on a cognitive level and my relationship with literature. Presently, I am uncertain of the capacity I would like to work with children in, but I know there is not a future I exist in which young humans are not involved. Children are such complex, inventive, beings and understanding their minds are fascinating concepts to me. Busload of Books works to ensure that opportunity for reading, drawing, and expression isnot only available but promoted. This ties into my desire to work for the community focusing on youth and adolescent behavior, as it is my belief that intense feelings are best articulated through creative activity, and this age is certainly notorious for them. 

What are some of your long-term goals surrounding the Busload of Books project?   

LK: My long term goals are to grow closer relationships to the people involved in the project, both professionally and personally, along with presenting my findings on a larger scale! If given the opportunity, I would be honored to attend a conference and discuss Busload of Books with those unfamiliar with the project, or update those with preexisting knowledge of the work!  

What are you most excited to learn about through this research?   

LK: I am most excited to learn about the effect of author visits on schools and the influence it has on children’s long-term desire to read or draw. My personal hypothesis is that the sense of feeling connected to a text is wonderful, but to have also engaged with the team behind it is an enriching experience for a student. However, I am curious about how teachers keep momentum of their students being engaged and if the charm wears off in certain time frames. Does the effect of a book begin to lose traction after a few hours, days, weeks, or months? Or is the trajectory a continuous upward line? As I sit with these questions, they will fuel my motivation to research! For now, I’m excited to go through the motions and have a space to explore.