As I’m sitting here writing this, my dear friend Riley Reeves is strumming along to “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. In many ways, this song encapsulates my feelings about this summer and my future in general. My B-SURF summer experience changed my outlook on research and my academic interests, and in many ways it was necessary for my growth. I will forever be grateful for having been given the opportunity to participate in it.
For one, I learned what it meant to be a researcher. Prior to joining B-SURF, I had worked with the Yan Lab, but I hadn’t started a research project yet. With the help of B-SURF, I undertook an eight-week research project that tested my resilience and willingness to fail and learn.
At many points throughout my summer, I felt uncertain. I felt as though I would never even be able to grasp the topics I was researching. Near the middle of the program I hit a weak point in which I thought I was not smart enough or capable enough to be able to do research. I remember getting home from work and going straight to the room across the hallway (the babe cave) and venting for what felt like hours about how I felt incapable. My dear friends took my insecurities and supported me through words of validation and ideas on how to make my research experience more sustainable. Had it not been for the amazing support system we created in those eight short weeks, I do not think I would’ve enjoyed my time nearly as much as I did.
Reflecting back on the first blog post I made, I did not mention friendships or community nearly as much. Part of me thought it would be difficult to actually form meaningful connections in such a short period of time. Living next door from my friends changed that preconception. If I ever felt upset about a rough day at work, I could run across the hall and complain. If I ever felt joy about succeeding in research, I could run across the hall and celebrate with friends. These moments are what made B-SURF so unique and meaningful.
I know I will stay in touch with the people I met in B-SURF. I already made sure that I was in the same BIO-202 lecture as Kennedy, and I made sure to be in the same COMPSCI 101 lecture as Riley. I hope that I can find more meaningful research experiences in the future like BSURF 2023 has been for me.
