I met with my scholarship project adviser today. It was great to get more details of the case I'm suppose to be writing. Also, she told me that since I was going to be doing most of the work, I can be first author on the paper!!!! I am SO excited. I am such a nerd! SO. Potentially, I could have a paper published (we are thinking Prenatal Diagnosis, not a bad journal, either!) from the scholarship project, maybe my thesis, depending on what I do... and who knows what else? 2 papers in 1 1/2 years? I'm definitely counting my eggs way way before they are hatched (or even conceived). But I'm excited. Regardless of whether I get anything published - what an opportunity! One of the authors that we will be corresponding with is probably a huge deal in the area, too - I've seen her name in half of the papers that I've researched. I couldn't be in a happier place.
My throat has been hurting since last night - I'm hoping that it's nothing. I cannot afford to get sick right now. I have so much to do - reading, research, studying... I wish I have more time.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
First Week of Class
The first week of class isn't over yet, and I am already feeling a little overwhelmed. Maybe it's normal - I hope it isn't an indication that I'm not cut out for this. I think it is just the fact that it's a complete change of lifestyle. After all, I've been out of school for so long.
The program started with three days of orientation. I didn't count that as my first week. Technically all I've had is a first day of class, not a first week of class. It feels like it, though. We had 4 classes today, each were about 2 hours long, with hour breaks in between. I think what most overwhelmed me was the fact that we weren't given a lot of notice on our reading, and despite my effort to stay on top of things, I'm already behind. Many of the class syllabus were distributed only yesterday or the day before, yet most of them had (a lot of) assigned reading for the first class. For the first week alone, I count 12 chapters and 5 articles. I have never done so much reading in my life. I enjoy the material, but it is a LOT of information to absorb. We were also given the "expectations" in class - the usual do your work, don't procrastinate sort of thing and that can be intimidating - our profs actually have high expectations from us. No hand holding.
We are expected to complete a thesis project by the end of the program. It is a LOT of work, it seems. Some of my classmates are not completely enthused by this requirement, but I don't mind it. I love research. However, I'm really not looking forward to the beginning and end parts of this process - finding a research question and thesis adviser and the written report and oral defense. I know from past experience how important a thesis adviser can be, and I have NO IDEA how to go about finding one. I really hope I can get someone like Janet (and I don't know if I will - that's a pretty high expectation). I don't know anyone here and don't really have any connections established. How would I even start looking for someone when I don't even have a research question? To me, the adviser is more important than the actual question I work on. I also feel awkward about going to random strangers and asking them to devote so much time on being my thesis adviser. I don't like writing (mostly because I am not confident in my writing skills), but I am scared of the oral defense. I just have this fear that I won't know the answers to what they will ask me. Lastly, I am maybe too ambitious in thinking this, but I hope to get a published paper out of this project. I don't know if it's a good idea to put that pressure on myself, or maybe it's good to have that goal. I also want to have an abstract of the project accepted at a national conference (for a poster or a platform presentation). BUT, at the same time I don't want to get accepted because I hate presentations and public speaking. It is such an inner struggle! I'll submit regardless. I'm scared but I still want to push the limits and be the best I can be.
We also have journal clubs and case conferences - this seems like fun, like the lab meetings I used to go to at Janet's Lab - but more intense. We each take turn presenting, and it is broadcast to all these faculty members who conference in. From the sounds of it, about 30 people or more tune in to these meetings, and they grill you pretty hard. I hate public speaking, and even though I've somewhat overcome those fears with teaching all these years, I still feel uncomfortable when I'm in front of groups of people.
One of my courses is in the style of PBL (problem-based learning). I like the concept, and I tried it once before - but I didn't like it. I always feel somewhat lost and am never sure if I was answering the questions properly or adequately. Another thing out of my comfort zone.
I meet with my scholarship project adviser tomorrow, and she seems so nice. I hope what little I've done is enough to prepare for this meeting. I don't think either of us know what to expect, so this should be interesting.
So far, grad school is fun, but definitely challenging. I love my professors, my classmates, and everyone else I've met in the program. I don't mind the reading so much, although I'm kind of intimidated and don't know how well I will be able to keep up with 12 chapters of reading per week. My time management skills are definitely going to be put to test. I have so many different projects on the go, I really hope I don't drop the ball somewhere along the line. I want to stay healthy and somehow fit exercising into all this, but I don't know how I'm going to do it! If nothing else, graduate school is definitely pushing me outside of my comfort zone with all the reading, writing, and presenting. I hope that I will grow, and that this whole process isn't going to induce TOO much stress.
I'm excited!
The program started with three days of orientation. I didn't count that as my first week. Technically all I've had is a first day of class, not a first week of class. It feels like it, though. We had 4 classes today, each were about 2 hours long, with hour breaks in between. I think what most overwhelmed me was the fact that we weren't given a lot of notice on our reading, and despite my effort to stay on top of things, I'm already behind. Many of the class syllabus were distributed only yesterday or the day before, yet most of them had (a lot of) assigned reading for the first class. For the first week alone, I count 12 chapters and 5 articles. I have never done so much reading in my life. I enjoy the material, but it is a LOT of information to absorb. We were also given the "expectations" in class - the usual do your work, don't procrastinate sort of thing and that can be intimidating - our profs actually have high expectations from us. No hand holding.
We are expected to complete a thesis project by the end of the program. It is a LOT of work, it seems. Some of my classmates are not completely enthused by this requirement, but I don't mind it. I love research. However, I'm really not looking forward to the beginning and end parts of this process - finding a research question and thesis adviser and the written report and oral defense. I know from past experience how important a thesis adviser can be, and I have NO IDEA how to go about finding one. I really hope I can get someone like Janet (and I don't know if I will - that's a pretty high expectation). I don't know anyone here and don't really have any connections established. How would I even start looking for someone when I don't even have a research question? To me, the adviser is more important than the actual question I work on. I also feel awkward about going to random strangers and asking them to devote so much time on being my thesis adviser. I don't like writing (mostly because I am not confident in my writing skills), but I am scared of the oral defense. I just have this fear that I won't know the answers to what they will ask me. Lastly, I am maybe too ambitious in thinking this, but I hope to get a published paper out of this project. I don't know if it's a good idea to put that pressure on myself, or maybe it's good to have that goal. I also want to have an abstract of the project accepted at a national conference (for a poster or a platform presentation). BUT, at the same time I don't want to get accepted because I hate presentations and public speaking. It is such an inner struggle! I'll submit regardless. I'm scared but I still want to push the limits and be the best I can be.
We also have journal clubs and case conferences - this seems like fun, like the lab meetings I used to go to at Janet's Lab - but more intense. We each take turn presenting, and it is broadcast to all these faculty members who conference in. From the sounds of it, about 30 people or more tune in to these meetings, and they grill you pretty hard. I hate public speaking, and even though I've somewhat overcome those fears with teaching all these years, I still feel uncomfortable when I'm in front of groups of people.
One of my courses is in the style of PBL (problem-based learning). I like the concept, and I tried it once before - but I didn't like it. I always feel somewhat lost and am never sure if I was answering the questions properly or adequately. Another thing out of my comfort zone.
I meet with my scholarship project adviser tomorrow, and she seems so nice. I hope what little I've done is enough to prepare for this meeting. I don't think either of us know what to expect, so this should be interesting.
So far, grad school is fun, but definitely challenging. I love my professors, my classmates, and everyone else I've met in the program. I don't mind the reading so much, although I'm kind of intimidated and don't know how well I will be able to keep up with 12 chapters of reading per week. My time management skills are definitely going to be put to test. I have so many different projects on the go, I really hope I don't drop the ball somewhere along the line. I want to stay healthy and somehow fit exercising into all this, but I don't know how I'm going to do it! If nothing else, graduate school is definitely pushing me outside of my comfort zone with all the reading, writing, and presenting. I hope that I will grow, and that this whole process isn't going to induce TOO much stress.
I'm excited!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Grad Orientation and Aquarium
I had my first grad student orientation on Monday (two more to go... who knew it would be so hard to orient to being a graduate student?). The day reminded me of my first day as an undergraduate. We had the same sort of opening remarks assembly (make the most of your time in school), break out sessions, and the same chaotic resource fair. I attended three sessions, one session with the Love Doctor who was hilarious and also inspiring, and then two more sessions that freaked me out over taxes and financial aid. Overall it was a successful day. I met all except one of my classmates. Everyone is so nice and many are just like me, in a brand new city, looking for friends.
After the orientation, some of us decided to meet up for a free day at the aquarium.
It was fun to get to know some of the girls better. We had a great time at the aquarium and having desserts after. Tomorrow we have another orientation and then we are going to head to a Sox game (I got free tickets at the Jazz Festival). My friend, Nichole whom I met in Europe a few summers ago, is going to visit and stay with me in Chicago for a few days, too. Overall, my move here has been filled with lots of love, friendship, and fun. I'm so lucky.
We got some of our course syllabus today, and I noticed that we've already been assigned reading - lots of reading. I've started to read some of them today (in addition to my scholarship project research). Boy, I think my eyes are going to pop out. I probably did a good solid 8 hrs+ of reading today! The good news is I'm almost done! One more chapter to go, and I'll be ready for the first week of class. It finally feels like school has started.
After the orientation, some of us decided to meet up for a free day at the aquarium.
We got some of our course syllabus today, and I noticed that we've already been assigned reading - lots of reading. I've started to read some of them today (in addition to my scholarship project research). Boy, I think my eyes are going to pop out. I probably did a good solid 8 hrs+ of reading today! The good news is I'm almost done! One more chapter to go, and I'll be ready for the first week of class. It finally feels like school has started.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Lyric Opera at Millennium Park
Chicago really is a fantastic city. I LOVE Millennium Park with its many many free concerts, dance shows, operas, and festivals. Tonight I went to Stars of Lyric Opera. Basically, they do a selection of all the best songs with all their best singers, in the park, for free. The place was packed!
My favourites of the night were Mozart's Don Giovanni act one aria "Madamina", sang by Kyle Ketelsen - I loved the humour, and Puccini's Madam Butterfly (my favourite opera) art two aria: the famous "Un bel di" sang by Ana Maria Martinez as Cio-Cio San. Oh my gosh, Martinez was AMAZING. I cried (but not a lot, because that would be embarrassing). I remember crying the first time I heard it with my Grade 10 English teacher, Mrs. Waber, when she took us to see my very first live opera. Every time I hear the aria, I can just see the red (fabric symbolizing blood) spill over the stage in my mind. The best part: Lyric Opera has $20 student tickets!! Hopefully some of my classmates are into opera and we can go together during the season. And if not, I'll just have to go by myself!
Needless to say, another fantastic night in Chicago. Tomorrow morning I have brunch with some of my classmates. I think Sunday brunches are going to be a thing for us this coming year. Orientation is on Monday, and I can't wait to start! We got our advisor assignments and class schedules a couple of days ago. I've made contact with the faculty advisor for my scholarship project, too. This is like slowly watching your dream being realized. Totally cool!
My favourites of the night were Mozart's Don Giovanni act one aria "Madamina", sang by Kyle Ketelsen - I loved the humour, and Puccini's Madam Butterfly (my favourite opera) art two aria: the famous "Un bel di" sang by Ana Maria Martinez as Cio-Cio San. Oh my gosh, Martinez was AMAZING. I cried (but not a lot, because that would be embarrassing). I remember crying the first time I heard it with my Grade 10 English teacher, Mrs. Waber, when she took us to see my very first live opera. Every time I hear the aria, I can just see the red (fabric symbolizing blood) spill over the stage in my mind. The best part: Lyric Opera has $20 student tickets!! Hopefully some of my classmates are into opera and we can go together during the season. And if not, I'll just have to go by myself!
Needless to say, another fantastic night in Chicago. Tomorrow morning I have brunch with some of my classmates. I think Sunday brunches are going to be a thing for us this coming year. Orientation is on Monday, and I can't wait to start! We got our advisor assignments and class schedules a couple of days ago. I've made contact with the faculty advisor for my scholarship project, too. This is like slowly watching your dream being realized. Totally cool!
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Wiki Ramble
Warning: this entry is just a very boring rant.
I want to learn how to use wikis. Seems easy enough? Everyone says wikis are easy to use, what you see is what you get, and all the information is on the internet. I mean we all use wikipedia. I was told that creating wikis is very similar to what I do with creating mini posters / mind maps for when I study which is why I want to learn to create wikis - for my studying and information gathering in the next few years. I will be able to share these with others (presumably), and use it as reference easily later on in my career (again, I'm not sure if that's true). Having my own private wikipedia on genetic counseling WOULD be kind of cool.
The problem is I don't know how to create wikis. In fact, I'm not too sure how they work. I've spent hours trying to figure out what to do or where to start, and I'm still so confused. I think the problem is that wiki, by it's very nature is a sort of bottom-up information structure, but the way I learn is very top-down. So I'm left very frustrated. There are so much information out there about things you can do with a wiki, but not a lot of examples (other than wikipedia) or beginner instructions on how you achieve those things. I also keep running into terminologies that seem like they are suppose to make sense, but don't make any sense to me at all. It seems that I'm suppose to download a wiki engine (but there are tons out there, and I don't understand what choosing criteria I should use, and what all these different languages mean. All I know is I want it for free. Is a wiki engine like a search engine? is there a difference between a wiki engine and wiki software and wiki application?). It seems that I download the wiki engine/software/application, but I use it online. So what and why am I downloading it? I don't know where all the information is stored (in a database apparently is the best way - now how do I create this database and where it is kept? mystery! Can I keep it on my computer? If so, how do I share it with others?). It seems like I might need web-hosting. Again, not really all that sure what it is, and it costs money to do web-hosting. I think. I don't want to spend money on something I don't know what it is and how to use. And this keeps happening. I keep running into things like "databases" and "web-hosting", etc, where most people just take for granted that EVERYONE knows what they are and how to use them. Well, I don't. It takes several more hours to look those things up and learn what they are because again, they assume that people who want to learn about databases and web-hosting know about computer languages, different formats of whatever... and aaaarrrrgh!!! Most of the "easier to understand" information are supplied by the companies advertising for their services, and come with exclamation marks at the end. "Share information with anyone in the world!" "Safe and secure!" "Choose your own web-domain!" (and wth is a web domain? more looking up). I could just give them some money, download it and play with it, but again... I don't even know if I need it! It's like an endless loop of frustration.
I may seem "computer savvy" to some of my friends, but honestly, I'm just faking it based on my intuition and luck (randomly clicking buttons of unknown functions). Now the truth comes out - I have no idea what I'm doing on a computer. And this attempt to learn wiki sure shoves that fact in my face. Of course, my computer-savvy friends already know I'm clueless when it comes to computers. Truly, I want to get out of my comfort zone, learn something useful, and enhance my learning experience. However, I don't know if all this running around and frustration is worth it. I could just jump in and do something - install something and play with it, but all the work that I put in (if I do decide to take notes and create a database of my genetic counseling knowledge using this tool) could be lost if later on I decide to not use it or never learn how. I don't know if it's worth it, and I don't know if I have the time. I could just stick to my good old note taking and drawing mind maps on paper - it certainly is less hassle. *sighs* Maybe I just need a break.
I want to learn how to use wikis. Seems easy enough? Everyone says wikis are easy to use, what you see is what you get, and all the information is on the internet. I mean we all use wikipedia. I was told that creating wikis is very similar to what I do with creating mini posters / mind maps for when I study which is why I want to learn to create wikis - for my studying and information gathering in the next few years. I will be able to share these with others (presumably), and use it as reference easily later on in my career (again, I'm not sure if that's true). Having my own private wikipedia on genetic counseling WOULD be kind of cool.
The problem is I don't know how to create wikis. In fact, I'm not too sure how they work. I've spent hours trying to figure out what to do or where to start, and I'm still so confused. I think the problem is that wiki, by it's very nature is a sort of bottom-up information structure, but the way I learn is very top-down. So I'm left very frustrated. There are so much information out there about things you can do with a wiki, but not a lot of examples (other than wikipedia) or beginner instructions on how you achieve those things. I also keep running into terminologies that seem like they are suppose to make sense, but don't make any sense to me at all. It seems that I'm suppose to download a wiki engine (but there are tons out there, and I don't understand what choosing criteria I should use, and what all these different languages mean. All I know is I want it for free. Is a wiki engine like a search engine? is there a difference between a wiki engine and wiki software and wiki application?). It seems that I download the wiki engine/software/application, but I use it online. So what and why am I downloading it? I don't know where all the information is stored (in a database apparently is the best way - now how do I create this database and where it is kept? mystery! Can I keep it on my computer? If so, how do I share it with others?). It seems like I might need web-hosting. Again, not really all that sure what it is, and it costs money to do web-hosting. I think. I don't want to spend money on something I don't know what it is and how to use. And this keeps happening. I keep running into things like "databases" and "web-hosting", etc, where most people just take for granted that EVERYONE knows what they are and how to use them. Well, I don't. It takes several more hours to look those things up and learn what they are because again, they assume that people who want to learn about databases and web-hosting know about computer languages, different formats of whatever... and aaaarrrrgh!!! Most of the "easier to understand" information are supplied by the companies advertising for their services, and come with exclamation marks at the end. "Share information with anyone in the world!" "Safe and secure!" "Choose your own web-domain!" (and wth is a web domain? more looking up). I could just give them some money, download it and play with it, but again... I don't even know if I need it! It's like an endless loop of frustration.
I may seem "computer savvy" to some of my friends, but honestly, I'm just faking it based on my intuition and luck (randomly clicking buttons of unknown functions). Now the truth comes out - I have no idea what I'm doing on a computer. And this attempt to learn wiki sure shoves that fact in my face. Of course, my computer-savvy friends already know I'm clueless when it comes to computers. Truly, I want to get out of my comfort zone, learn something useful, and enhance my learning experience. However, I don't know if all this running around and frustration is worth it. I could just jump in and do something - install something and play with it, but all the work that I put in (if I do decide to take notes and create a database of my genetic counseling knowledge using this tool) could be lost if later on I decide to not use it or never learn how. I don't know if it's worth it, and I don't know if I have the time. I could just stick to my good old note taking and drawing mind maps on paper - it certainly is less hassle. *sighs* Maybe I just need a break.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Museum of Science and Industry
Yesterday I went to the Museum of Science and Industry because it was free :) This museum was HUGE, one of the largest in the world, at 14 acres.
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| The U-505 Submarine is HUGE! |
There were some pretty cool interactive displays, including a giant hamster wheel, some crazy high-tech computer puzzles, a heart rate monitor that displays your heart beat with a giant 13-ft tall beating heart, baby chick hatchery, and they even have a special genetics section!
There was so much to see at this museum, when my little cousins come visit, I want to take them and see, among other things, Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle. It has the most amazing details, such as stories of fairy tales depicted on the walls and windows, thousand-year-old antiques, real jewelry and gems, tapestries with stitches so tiny you can only see them under the microscope, and even a piece of the true cross (more history here)! It reminds me of the doll house we've built for Madeline (of course ours wasn't quite as fancy).
Aside from visiting museums and attending free concerts/lectures/festivals, I've just been running errands and reading (just finished The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - it's quite good, and now reading The Devil in the White City, about the Chicago Expo). Life is so relaxing - it will all change next week, and I can't wait! I received an email today about my scholarship project today - I will be writing a case report with another genetic counselor. Is it nerdy to be extremely excited about it?
I don't know if I should try to get a part time job while I'm here. I could try to tutor or even look into 9-1-1 here in Chicago. My schedule seems pretty free (I have Fridays off), but all the students from previous years talk about how busy and crazy their lives are in the program. I guess my schedule doesn't really have any clinical rotations booked in yet. Maybe I'll just wait a few weeks once I get an idea of my school work load.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Food and Jazz
Today I said goodbye to Tiffany as she flies back to Vancouver (and as I later found out, she actually missed her flight and is having the worst luck traveling this summer!). After that, Brodie and I headed to the Taste of Polonia Festival. Polish food is awesome! *drools*
I had the Polish Plate, which included: potato pancakes (with apple sauce and sour cream), perogies, cabbage roll, polish sausage and sauerkraut. It was delicious!
After filling our tummies, we decided to fill our soul with some good ol' jazz - the Chicago Jazz Festival at Grant Park (for free!).
I've always liked jazz, but to be honest, sometimes the music bored me a little - I always wished for a little more from it. I thought jazz was suppose to be full of emotion and swagger, but sometimes I felt it to be a little snobby. That's how I felt tonight at the first show. And THEN I heard Steve Cole at the contemporary jazz stage. He was amazing! His music is exactly what I thought and wanted jazz to be and more. It had emotion, a story (even though there were no words), and humour. I can dance, swoon, cry, and laugh to his music. Some of his music is a little cheesy (I'm sure on purpose), which I LOVE because it makes me laugh out loud and feel good. So there, is the moment I fell in love with jazz. Steve Cole himself is also a very smooth and funny guy. I totally have a crush on him!
I wish my little cousins were here to share these with me. I know they would love jazz (and Steve Cole), too! Holla' to Rebecca and Esther - I miss you guys!!
I had the Polish Plate, which included: potato pancakes (with apple sauce and sour cream), perogies, cabbage roll, polish sausage and sauerkraut. It was delicious!
After filling our tummies, we decided to fill our soul with some good ol' jazz - the Chicago Jazz Festival at Grant Park (for free!).
I've always liked jazz, but to be honest, sometimes the music bored me a little - I always wished for a little more from it. I thought jazz was suppose to be full of emotion and swagger, but sometimes I felt it to be a little snobby. That's how I felt tonight at the first show. And THEN I heard Steve Cole at the contemporary jazz stage. He was amazing! His music is exactly what I thought and wanted jazz to be and more. It had emotion, a story (even though there were no words), and humour. I can dance, swoon, cry, and laugh to his music. Some of his music is a little cheesy (I'm sure on purpose), which I LOVE because it makes me laugh out loud and feel good. So there, is the moment I fell in love with jazz. Steve Cole himself is also a very smooth and funny guy. I totally have a crush on him!
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| Me and Steve Cole, my future husband. haha. |
Friday, September 3, 2010
More sightseeing!
Both Tiffany and Brodie are in town visiting and we've been doing lots of stuff around town. Here's an update of the last 3 days!
After the fantastic food tour last week, I decided to take Tiffany back to Old Town to visit some of my favourite shops and to catch a comedy show. We went back to Old Town Oil where I bought a total of FOUR bottles of oils and vinegars: Roasted Walnut Oil, Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar, and Traditional 18-yr aged Balsamic Vinegar. I could've easily bought more stuff, but at last, I tried to show some restraint. After visiting the specialty shops and having dinner at the Old Jerusalem Cafe, we went to The Second City Comedy Club. The Second City has been running for 50 years and is home to many successful comedians such as Tina Fey and Steve Carrell. The show was hilarious, and the free improv after the show was even better.
The next day, we went on the Shoreline Architecture Boat Tour. We had Hillary again as a tour guide. It was great to see all the fantastic architectures in Chicago and to learn so much about its history. I think I might purchase the membership to the Chicago Architecture Foundation so I can learn more about architecture.
In the afternoon, we went to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. The stadium seats 41,000 people, and 33,000 attended on a Wednesday afternoon. The streets were full of Cubs fans, I can just imagine what an important game would be like. It was fun. I didn't know anything about baseball, but it was a lot less boring than I thought it would be! Highlights include a group singing of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" after the 7th inning, and again "Go Cubs Go" (yes, there is a song), after the Cubs won 5-3.
And yesterday, we went to the Adler Planetarium. I love all the museums here! Tiffany and I tried the moon gravity simulator (supposedly the gravity on the moon is 1/6 of the Earth's gravity, but I didn't feel any differently when I was in the simulator). We also saw some pretty fantastic shows, including a tour of the historic Atwood Theater. I wish we had a bit more time at the Planetarium, but on to our next top at the Art Institute of Chicago!
The Art Institute of Chicago is free on Thursdays, so we got to go in for free. There were so many people, but it was fantastic. We didn't nearly have enough time to explore it all. My favourites were the impressionist paintings (including painters such as Monet, Manet, Pissaro, Renoir, Sisley, Degas, Van Gogh, etc.), the allegorical sculptures, and the Thorne Miniature Rooms (the details in these tiny rooms simply blew my mind). I will definitely have to go back (maybe even purchase a membership?).
So what's next? Tonight I'm going to the International Museum of Surgical Sciences with some of my classmates for an art show on medical illustrations and designs (Street Anatomy), and after maybe head to the Jazz Club. My summer adventure continues!
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