A Beginning
When I was in highschool, I participated in two science fairs. I cried at the first one and was ready to at the second.
I felt so out of place and not smart enough to be in the field of research. As I was surrounded by projects involving gene sequencing and technology I had never heard of before, I felt like I wasn't good enough to be there.
That being said, my love for my research comes as a revelation from a place of surprise for this field of science.
This fall semester, I continued working in Dr. Katherine Burns' lab as I had started in the summer with WISE.
After 2 weeks in the summer, I knew that I wanted to continue research in the lab because I felt like there was SO much to learn. I still feel this way, and because of the amazing experience I've had in Dr. Burns' lab, I am considering pursuing research as a career.
I felt so out of place and not smart enough to be in the field of research. As I was surrounded by projects involving gene sequencing and technology I had never heard of before, I felt like I wasn't good enough to be there.
That being said, my love for my research comes as a revelation from a place of surprise for this field of science.
This fall semester, I continued working in Dr. Katherine Burns' lab as I had started in the summer with WISE.
After 2 weeks in the summer, I knew that I wanted to continue research in the lab because I felt like there was SO much to learn. I still feel this way, and because of the amazing experience I've had in Dr. Burns' lab, I am considering pursuing research as a career.
A 'Why'
Endometriosis is something that's been somewhat of a shadow during my life- starting with my mother. I remember in the 1st grade, that my mom was sick and had to sleep on the couch for a few days. I remember my dad having to pick me up from school and finding a get well soon gift for her. It wasn't until this past year that I found out why she was in this condition. Infertility by the means of an ectopic pregnancy is most often caused by endometriosis. This happens when a fertilized eggs implants in the fallopian tubes and not in the uterus (where it's supposed to be). This condition is life threatening and when my mother went to the hospital, she was sent back home with only some heartburn medication. Her pain only worsened and when she returned to the hospital she needed to have an emergency surgery to remove the tissue.
If I had lost my mom, I don't know if I would be half the person I am today.
I feel a like I have a purpose when I'm in the lab- that I'm working to find a cause of this disease that affects millions of women- and the one who's supported me the most in my life.
I love this research because it fuels me, give me a reason to get up in the morning, to work for something greater than myself and is somewhat of a creative outlet. Being able to ask questions that haven't been asked yet is a form of creativity. I didn't know that this was a field that I would find such a pure form of art.
If I had lost my mom, I don't know if I would be half the person I am today.
I feel a like I have a purpose when I'm in the lab- that I'm working to find a cause of this disease that affects millions of women- and the one who's supported me the most in my life.
I love this research because it fuels me, give me a reason to get up in the morning, to work for something greater than myself and is somewhat of a creative outlet. Being able to ask questions that haven't been asked yet is a form of creativity. I didn't know that this was a field that I would find such a pure form of art.
A 'Now'
In the summer, my research was more about finding my sea legs; I spent a very long week learning how to use the micropipetter. This past fall semester and now (in the spring) I've gained independence and plan and perform my own experiments while also exploring my new found passion for research.
This past semester was pivotal in a way that I feel is important to acknowledge. Towards the end of the semester, I felt like I couldn't breathe, that I was failing, and slipped into somewhat of a depressive state. I was sad all the time and nothing interested me. Though my feelings for this period of time are valid, the reality of my 'failures' resulted in two B's.
Part of this pressure is usually intensified by the medical sciences major. A kid who sat next to me in physics said out loud: "If I get two B's, I'm dropping medsci" (He didn't get two B's and I didn't drop my major).
When I was in gen chem 1, a kid off handedly said "If someone doesn't get an A in gen chem 1 they should kill themselves" and we wonder why this pressure is created when students have these attitudes towards each other and themselves. I didn't listen to his advice when I got a B+ in gen chem 1.
That being said, some of the bright spots in my day involved my research. I liked being in the lab, and Katie was so supportive of me during these trying times. Being away from the stress of school and focusing on one experiment of task was what I needed. The research highlight of the semester was applying to my first conference!
This past semester was pivotal in a way that I feel is important to acknowledge. Towards the end of the semester, I felt like I couldn't breathe, that I was failing, and slipped into somewhat of a depressive state. I was sad all the time and nothing interested me. Though my feelings for this period of time are valid, the reality of my 'failures' resulted in two B's.
Part of this pressure is usually intensified by the medical sciences major. A kid who sat next to me in physics said out loud: "If I get two B's, I'm dropping medsci" (He didn't get two B's and I didn't drop my major).
When I was in gen chem 1, a kid off handedly said "If someone doesn't get an A in gen chem 1 they should kill themselves" and we wonder why this pressure is created when students have these attitudes towards each other and themselves. I didn't listen to his advice when I got a B+ in gen chem 1.
That being said, some of the bright spots in my day involved my research. I liked being in the lab, and Katie was so supportive of me during these trying times. Being away from the stress of school and focusing on one experiment of task was what I needed. The research highlight of the semester was applying to my first conference!
A Conference!
This semester, I submitted an abstract to my first conference. I heard another kid was being praised about his submission for this conference and I brought it up to my PI. When I was speaking to her, she said; "the one in San Diego?" Yeah I know, I'm speaking at it; and it was fate for my journey to the experimental biology conference in San Diego. I submitted my abstract in the fall and finally heard of my acceptance this past month. I look forward to meeting many, many people and being #roomies with my PI. Stay tuned for more!