Research Spirit
By Anna Solar
The Founder
I am Anna Solar, founder of Research Spirit. Being in the academic profession for 20 years, I have personally witnessed all struggles of students, ranging from daily college grind to grueling research, and even early career challenges. This is how I have developed my deep compassion for learners and strong passion for research. Seeing so many students getting stressed and even being depressed in doing their thesis project prompted me to do something about it. And that is when I thought of creating an online platform that would provide a safe space and a supportive environment for college and university students who are doing their thesis.
My intention is to empower students to navigate the research process in a way that addresses not just their intellectual challenges but also their emotional struggles.
I envision a new generation of researchers driven not by merit, but by sheer passion to create and share new knowledge that will help the community, society and the world. After all, the genuine spirit of research is to search for new knowledge, to be shared to others as a way of serving humanity. So there goes Research Spirit’s tagline — Search. Share. Serve.
What is your action plan?
Currently, I’m a one-woman band. I do everything from conceptualization to execution. I have built my own website (www.researchspirit.com) single handedly. I am completely self-taught. I need to do this if I would want to see a change in the educational system. And it doesn’t bother me how long it would take. I’m on it for a long haul.
My plan of action is to initially introduce Online Research Coaching as complementary to conventional thesis mentoring. I would explore the possibility of collaborating with universities and colleges. Next, I would create free contents through my blog and YouTube channel, providing resources and inspiration to students doing their thesis. Eventually, I would create an online course that is specifically crafted for thesis students who are in silent agony. Moreover, I intend to create merchandise for Research Spirit such as downloadable research planner, research meditation and research e-book. Finally, I would create a premium/paid membership site whereby research students could access online research coaching, e-courses, podcast interviews of research experts, and be part of a supportive community of student and professional researchers from different universities and institutions around the world.
How did the HiFi Future Shapers Program help you in your journey as a changemaker?
The HiFi Future Shapers Program has given me the inner strength to be a changemaker. It provided me safe space, supportive community of social entrepreneurs and compassionate mentors.
I will forever be grateful to Ms. Abigail Mapua-Cabanilla and Ms. Marite Irvine of Kindmind for imparting Theory of Change and Experience Design. This is because there is a tendency for people with advocacy to be so idealistic but learning these two important concepts keeps me pragmatic, putting together my vision and action plan while staying true to my core values hence making it a lot easier to work on myself, with other people and for other people.
How might we support the organization?
I envision a generation of researchers driven not by merit but by sheer passion to produce and share knowledge that will help society and the world. If you share the same vision, I would be so pleased to work with you:
— Share helpful research tips, books, apps, websites, etc.
— Share upcoming seminars, lectures, workshops, conferences, conventions, fairs, etc.
— Share your research outputs to guide public policy makers and inspire business industries
— Be my Featured Guest and share your research experience, knowledge and expertise to inspire others
— Join me as Online Research Coach providing guidance to aspiring researchers
— Invite me as a Resource Speaker to your organization or institution
— Offer sponsorship, partnership, funding, donation or any support (kindness is greatly appreciated)
If working together is feeling like a yes, email me at annasolar@researchspirit.com. I would love to hear from you. Also, please feel free to share my website: www.researchspirit.com.
