Master’s Student of the Year Linda Muižniece-Slesare: You don’t become a researcher overnight

The Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) programme complements the study process at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU). The programme provides students with a great opportunity to learn the necessary skills to become a researcher and gain research experience. Since the autumn semester 2019, six VIP teams have been working at RSU.

Linda Muižniece-Slesare (pictured) is a 2nd-year student in the Art Therapy master's programme with a specialisation in visual plastic art therapy. She is involved in the Psychological Assistance and Self-Help VIP’s subgroup, Professional Activity and Self-Help in Times of Change. This project has enabled Linda to accelerate her research on the professional identity of Latvian art therapists in times of change and plan publications in international journals.

Photo from private archives

Jana Duhovska, Director of the Art Therapy programme, describes Linda as an astute, precise, and even-tempered student who approaches the learning process systematically and rationally, taking responsibility for the outcome of her studies. It is not by chance that Linda received the RSU Annual Award for Master's Student of the Year.

What does it mean for you to be involved in the Psychological Assistance and Self-Help VIP?

I get structured help to progress my research more efficiently.

Without this support and guidance, I would probably spend too much time doing unnecessary things like looking for information in the wrong places. I have gained a lot of useful tips on how to cover more information and how to understand the topic better in a short period of time.

What have you accomplished so far?

I've been involved in the project since the beginning of my 1st year. I was in a different subgroup then, initially working on potential research ideas. Eventually I started working on gathering information, analysing data, etc. We made a presentation for an international conference under the supervision of Assistant Elīna Akmane and with the help of students. Two publications are currently being planned – one of them is co-authored by me, the other will be mine. I started working on my publication within the VIP supervised by Elīna Akmane and now I am continuing this work in another subgroup of the same project with Prof. Kristīne Mārtinsone.

This year I'm in a different subgroup working in depth on my own research. I have read a lot so far in this group in order to be able to create the basis or the theoretical part of my research. I have also done some practical work like finding journals to publish in, writing a work plan, etc.

What have you learned from the VIP?

I have learned to collaborate with other researchers to analyse qualitative data using specific qualitative analysis methods.

I gained an understanding of how to approach research, where to start. Now I know exactly what I would have to do step by step if I wanted to explore something else.

I am gradually learning to summarise, analyse, and formulate the theory on which my research will be based.

Are you working on this project in a team or individually?

It's hard to say if I'm working individually. On the one hand, I do my own research – I look for information, I read, I continuously think about it, and I plan. On the other hand, I know that I can ask for advice and support, and I receive it.

I have the feeling that I am not struggling alone.

The lecturers are supportive and help me to move forward in a more structured way, especially supporting and encouraging me at times when I seem to be completely lost and there is a whirlwind inside of my head.

Why would you recommend other students to get involved in VIPs at RSU?

Šis projekts man ir devis iespēju ātrāk saprast, kas ir pētniecība un pētnieks. Atceros, ka paralēli metodoloģijas kursam biju iesaistījusies vertikāli integrētajā projektā, kurā palīdzēju citiem pētniekiem. Tas ļāva labāk saprast un strukturēt teorētiskās zināšanas. Tas, ko mācījos metodoloģijā, vairs nebija abstrakta informācija, bet jau reāla pieredze praksē. 

Why did you choose to study psychology?

I have been interested in psychology for a long time. It started with reading different self-help books and articles and being interested and inquisitive about why people make certain decisions, why they act in certain ways rather than putting everything into stereotypical boxes. I have a natural curiosity about people, which was later complemented by a desire to help people in a more direct way than I can do with art (photography). My personal growth was the second most important reason.

The study process is very beneficial for my self-development, to understand myself, what is going on with me and the people around me.

You mentioned photography. Is it true that one of your hobbies is photography?

Why did you decide to pursue a master's degree?

My choice to pursue a master's degree was quite simple – it was the only way to become a professional art therapist.

In my mind, education is very important – both formal and informal. You can learn a lot through non-formal education or through different courses, seminars, lectures, or from experience. I believe that lifelong intellectual stimulation is important, but there are times when formal training is essential like studying in a healthcare programme.

What are your master's studies at RSU like in general?

During my studies, I have also faced many moments of doubt, uncertainty, anxiety, fear and simply a lack of time. These have forced me to prioritise. The support I receive from my husband has played a huge role. As a result, I now look back on my first year of studies with pride and think ‘I did it!’

The people I have met are the most memorable thing I take with me from my studies.

I have met fantastic like-minded groupmates who are supportive and who listen. We communicate often and help one another, which helps moving forward. I also have to say a huge thank you to the lecturers who helped by pointing me in the right direction, putting the brakes on where necessary, but most importantly, giving me the opportunity to get to know the profession and my future colleagues.

Overall, I have experienced the full range of emotions, made friends, new colleagues, met mentors, grown and so much more.

First thing you would do if you won a million euros in the lottery?

I would buy ice cream and think about how to get rid of most of the money together with my husband (laughs). It’s not good to have too much of something, because everything has to be in balance. Other people need money more than I do.

The activity is implemented within the project Improvement of the management process and study content modernisation at Rīga Stradiņš University (No. 8.2.3.0/18/A/011).