Beginnings are always obscure.
When I first walked into my lab, I had not a single
idea how I would be able to chase my academic aspirations let alone completing
my course. Whether I would emerge unbeaten or beaten, it had proven completely
elusive at the time. So, it was better left at the mercy of my fate.
Besides, I saw that the task I was going to confront can’t
be likened to what I had done in my course work based undergraduate program-
clearing semester exams and getting promoted to next grade. As anticipated, the turn of new event was an exact carbon copy of my guesswork. Nonetheless, of all- I rejoiced madly at the feeling that I don’t have to sit and write any exams except for my final thesis defence- which the school deem as oral exam.
But it came with strings attached agonizingly painful than exams- recurrent
stressful progress reports and seminars after seminars without semester
holidays. That was when it struck me exams were perhaps secured way of keeping heads clear of research pains.
Meanwhile, the daredevil move of getting into
neuroscience and the thought of having to come up with something novel at the end
of research period almost killed me. It made me feel jittery, insignificant and
diffident. Just few months into my research endeavours I started seriously asking
myself- did I commit suicide or the move was too disastrous? The question of
sailing smooth ride or stars convening in a clear night sky sort of philosophical
thoughts were then not even remote. They didn’t just seem to exist. Even if
they did, they were inconsequential because it was all about day in and day out
commitment once the research kicked off. I thought the hell was breaking loose.
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| Peeking over the vaginal smears to detect the various stages of estrous cycle |
Fast-forward the time, here I am pondering and
wondering over the same obscure beginning and recalling the entire journey. So
many questions pop up- some amusing and others worth keeping as well as sharing.
One among them stands out notably striking for me- what had this long and arduous and roller coaster ride given?
I can’t aptly think of any other than adaptation in my first list. I suppose this
very trait is the barebones of any organisms wanting to survive anywhere else on
earth. Needless to say, getting the better of acclimatising to new environment
transcends everything that comes after it. This is why my flow to evolve and
grow - personally and professionally- came by easily. In short, being able to
adapt is the must have building blocks for achieving great feats. So, roll up
the sleeves and master it by and by. Remember it isn’t easy as it sounds.
Equally disastrous is failing to catch up could spell sure trouble. Making
peace with it is a good way out.
Without exhibiting high level of tolerance, it is impossible to achieve excellence at work. In science,
tolerance is the mother of necessity. Anything less would call for mediocrity. Of
course, it also applies to others. But many may as well concur it as one of the
most difficult attributes to scale. Personally, this trait had played central
role in completing my research work. Because I was rookie in the field, I had
to receive tutelage from almost all the members in lab- PhD, undergraduate and
graduate students. In honing this craft, it helped me ward off tantrums,
acquire resistance to temperaments and backstabbing. Were it not for my high
tolerance, I am afraid it could have strained my relationship with others.
Therefore, keep calm and cultivate tolerance if you don’t want to settle for
average.
I know this one here could be cliché but let me put up
in another way- sharpen the thing called
grit and be efficient. After all, the impeccable pairing of two can
possibly move even the mountains. Persevere consistently and beaver away on
whatever makes you move out of comfort zone. Remember the signature trait that
distinguishes iconic performer from average is the grit and knowing where to
hit hardest when it needs the most. In my attempt to polish my academic
competencies, I have had major setbacks and downfalls. I can’t keep track of
times I was buffeted with embarrassments and frustrations. On and off, it came
with the cost of ‘who-cares’ and ‘need-only-certificate’ attitude. Yet, I tussled
with my warrior grit and came out strong every time I fell apart. Eventually, I
had a comeback that took me a long way ahead. Above all, grit is indispensable-
go get it.
Develop team work
and submit gracefully regardless of right or wrong. I know this
quality is hard to come by because given the druthers, everyone would like to
flaunt. Particularly in a setting where teamwork is the key, flaunting can be
an eyesore. And the worst trying to be one-man army with know-it-all mindset.
Worst because it can ruin the good bonds. If not, strength and enthusiasm of
the team could go untapped. Here, it is not just about the academic thing. I had
several other obligations apart. Nonetheless, whenever my service was required,
I sprang forward without shirking as it was my job to fulfil it. It had me gain
trust from others and in that, I grew from strength to strength. I learned to
be honest in my failures and submissive in my triumphs while sharpening the craftsmanship
of team work and uprightness.
On the more, there are lots of sure-fire recipes out
there which I precluded for the fear of long and tedious read. Further, I have
deliberately attempted not to share about my academic highs and lows or for
that matter the tales of burning midnight lamps, because I believe(d) academic
success would follow suit if challenges outside and inside are coped up well. For the reasons that I somehow fared fair in my effort, my
substance here revolves mainly around the aforesaid mantras. To put it in other way- emotional intelligence pays
higher than intellectual quotient.
YES, the journey was brutally gruelling up until the
very last day. But I am pleased my little boat has braved through many storms
and reached the port safely. It was painful in the beginning, messy somewhere
in between and sweet at the end. I have come to grips with the fact that a bit
of painful start, messy transitional phase and sweet finish was everything it took to awaken
the little scientist in me.