As the summer heat starts to intensify, I find myself taking on a new and exciting research journey and with it has come its own set of challenges. Reflecting back on my time spent in the lab, possible hurdles have already begun to make themselves more apparent. Therefore, there are three hurdles for this summer that I will be discussing: the demanding nature of my research, self-doubts during moments of uncertainty, and the need to think out of the box to approach these new challenges.
In this blog post, I will tell the stories about the times I’ve learned valuable lessons from remarkable individuals during my time at Florida State University. I believe these stories contain lessons that will help me overcome any challenges that lie ahead for me during my summer research endeavor and hope that it can help my readers reflect on their own obstacles and overcome their own challenges in some way.
Lesson 1: Know Yourself
Reflecting back on my freshman year, I was fueled by an eagerness to dive headfirst into the world of research. As summer arrived, I found myself joining a lab in the chemistry and biochemistry department, delving into the study of tuberculosis membrane proteins. It was here that I encountered a remarkable mentor, a postdoc whose influence I deeply admire. They had a unique way of infusing joy and enthusiasm into the lab setting. Whether he was playfully leaping over chairs, challenging the validity of everyday habits with scientific skepticism, or racing me in filling up the pipette boxes (I was always the unfortunate loser), he made research an exhilarating experience. But amidst the fun and excitement, he imparted a profound lesson: the importance of truly knowing oneself.
It meant recognizing and embracing my own strengths, passions, values, and even limitations. He taught me that I needed to pursue experiences that resonated with my authentic self. It was through this lesson that I mustered the courage to let go of the lab I had grown fond of and pursue my true passion for neuroscience research. Therefore, as this summer journey continues I now carry with me the knowledge of my strengths and limitations. Already, there have been instances where I believed I had mastered the intricacies of the microscope that I am using this summer, only to realize my need for further understanding. Acknowledging our boundaries allows us to overcome them, seeking guidance when it is needed.
Lesson 2: Try Again Tomorrow
On my very first day this summer, I poured all my energy and focus into the lab, little did I anticipate the challenges that awaited me. I spent an arduous eight hours in the lab and despite multiple attempts, I struggled to locate a neuron in the first slice I examined. Discouraged and frustrated, I slumped in my chair, my initial excitement now deflated. I was fortunate to have Dr. Wang, my mentor, who had come to check on my progress. Sensing my disappointment, she offered a seemingly simple yet profound suggestion. Try a few more times and if you can’t find it, she simply said “Oh well, try again tomorrow.” At that moment, this notion of being able to start afresh the next day with a clean slate really lifted my spirits. Even though this project is very important to me, it isn’t something that is “do or die”, especially on the first day. Embracing the suggestion to try again tomorrow allowed me the chance to approach my work with a fresh perspective the next day, unburdened by the weight of yesterday.
As I navigate the hurdles of my research journey, I am grateful for Dr. Wang’s guidance and the transformative impact it has had on me. I am reminded that the path to success is rarely linear and smooth. It is peppered with setbacks, doubts, and moments of frustration. Since my first day, Dr. Wang’s support and belief in my abilities have become pillars of strength during hard times. Armed with the knowledge from my past failures, I know I will be able to approach each day this summer with a renewed sense of determination.
Lesson 3: Show Up
Showing up to the IDEA grant first informational session, I decided to wear a black blazer passed down from my mother, with a small pin of Kemal Ataturk. This blazer was brought by my mom when she immigrated to the United States, adorned with a pin of Turkey’s founding father. It is undoubtedly my most lucky item. In retrospect I might have blown the whole thing a little bit out of proportion, but the truth is, I honestly felt apprehensive. This lesson may sound deceptively simple at first, but showing up can also be vulnerable. Yet, through my own experiences, I have come to realize that no matter the initial nervousness or anxiety, showing up has always been a decision I’ve been grateful for. As the summer progresses, the demands of my research also increases. I am determined to remind myself why I am showing up and make the conscious decision to approach each task with my best foot forward. Whether it’s pursuing a dream or endeavoring for personal growth, showing up will always leave us with a sense of fulfillment that surpasses the regret of never having tried. Consistently showing up also builds a habit that positions us to show up even stronger in the future. So, as I reflect on that first informational session and the nervousness I felt, I am grateful for the profound impact that showing up has had on where I am now in my research journey.
By learning these lessons, I now have adopted the self-awareness, positive mindset and the willingness to step outside my comfort zone. Together these skills will improve my ability to work through any hurdles this summer semester. By sharing these experiences with you, I hope to pay forward some of the insights I’ve gained through my time at Florida State University and assist you in confronting your own challenges on your path to success.
HSF House Blogs 