From: Teresa Ann Paulus 

Well, I've only been around this year I haven't had quite as many
riot team experiences as the rest of you, but maybe a little of what I have to
say will be of interest (or maybe not).  First off, let me say that I never
expected an opportunity to do any sort of research during my time here at ND,
especially as early as my sophomore year.  When Dan asked me to be on the team
I couldn't pass up the chance (and as a result have spent the last 2 semesters
taking 6 classes...)  Despite the headache of having so much going on, I
wouldn't have changed my decision in a million years.

I have learned so much, not just from the research and the readings, but from
all of you.  I had never really thought much about riots and collective action
much before Dan's soc 102 class, but I did find it incredibly interesting.  I
have gained more insight into the actions of those struggling for some sort of
right or freedom that I ever imagined.  The assigned readings were incredibly
interesting (well, the majority of them at least).  They allowed me the
opportunity to lose myself into the situations these people were facing and
attempt to consider how I would have dealt with the issue.  The actual
research, coding, interviews, etc. provided a glance into the race riots that
went so much deeper than what one would normally have a chance to experience.
In addition, the information I have learned has not only coincided with some
of my other classes, but given me a greater insight into  the topics we have
studied, and in some cases allowed me to take more from what would have been a
simple history or theology class.  The thing I enjoyed most about this class
was how it really didn't seem like a class.  The class discussion allowed
everyone to express their opinions and theorize in a comfortable situation. It
also allowed for the debates on controversial topics which is often not seen
in so many classes here.  The openmindness of the team is refreshing.  I took
so much from what the majority of you have learned in your past few years with
the team and four years at ND.  I wish you all luck next year and hope that as
things start up again when Dan "returns" I can carry on the tradition of great
sociological research that all of you set.