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I'm basically in this place right now where if I don't focus really hard, I just lose myself in my work and I lose track of huge spans of time. I cannot believe that it is November.
Today I attended my first ever scientific "seminar." A visiting professor from North Carolina came to give a talk about Drosophila Sechellia (one of the species of fruit fly we use in the lab). I didn't really know what to expect, but the room was packed. There was a small number of faces I recognized from the other fly labs and a ton of faces I didn't recognize. He was discussing his research. Specifically, he is attempting to find a genetic basis for host selection and speciation for sechellia, as well as discussing a lot of background information about the species. It was really interesting, and I was pretty impressed that actually understood almost everything he said, despite my limited experience.
It was also interesting to see the dynamic of the seminar. In addition to people I recognized from other labs, there were a number of GTAs from my biology class. I am accustomed to seeing the GTAs looking harried, so seeing them in their element was kind of neat.
It is absolutely amazing what a difference having a rewarding, stimulating job has made in my life. Actually receiving positive feedback is pretty nice as well. I feel bad, but I've really started to lose the empathy I once had for my friends still stuck in call center and/or retail jobs. I guess I'm just too pampered or far removed, but I just don't even want to hear about the bullshit that goes on anymore. All I can really add to the conversation is "you need to find a new job," and that never seems to help much.
Chemistry test in an hour, and I should be studying.
Posted at: 17:13
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