You could tell me that the beginning of this program was 6 months ago or yesterday, and I would believe you. It feels both like I’ve been here for forever and yet somehow just arrived. While this may make the idea of hopping on a plane instead of the C1 shuttle seem odd, I wouldn’t rather it be any other way.
On one hand, I’ve learned so much in these last 7 weeks. Whether it be surgical procedures, data analysis code, or imaging techniques, it is crazy to think about how many skills I have acquired. From this perspective, it feels like I’ve been in the lab forever. Simply, the depth of exposure I have gained in the lab does not seem like it would have happened in such a short timeframe. It’s been a wonderful experience to be fully immersed into the lab culture, and by becoming a part of the lab I feel as though it has also become a part of me.
On the contrary, where has the time gone?!? I could have sworn that, just yesterday, I was picking up a pipette for the first time. I guess people are not joking when they say “time flies when you’re having fun.” Especially after a year of being virtual, I really enjoyed learning hands-on in the lab. Moreover, I find the questions we’re asking fascinating, and getting to be a part of answering them has been incredibly rewarding. The overall atmosphere is truly one where intellectual curiosity thrives. I came into knowing that I would be challenged, and that is what made every day exciting.
I am immensely appreciative of my mentors who made this such a wonderful experience. I now have a more profound understanding and appreciation for research, but I know this is only the beginning. Although this program may be over, I know my time working in the lab is everything but. I’m incredibly grateful that the Glickfeld lab has allowed me to continue working with them in the fall. I can’t wait to see not only how projects I’ve been working on develop but also how I will continue to grow as a researcher.