Last words from Karmen

Hey yo! So today is the last day of the research shadowing programme. I am both sad and happy, sad that it is ending but happy that I don't have to wake up early anymore. HAHA. I felt that this programme was great and really fun. It is an once-in-a-lifetime sort of thing and I am sure I would miss the time I spent in NTU with Yuh Harn and Alethea.
I am really glad that I joined this programme, although it was kinda lonely at first because I was the only one from my school. But I soon became friends with Yuh Harn and Alethea and had a great time talking to them and doing the blog together. I also got to know my mentors, Hui Kian, Ajay, Dr Wen Feng, Huaqiong, Ivan and Prof Tan. Also not forgetting the guys in the SBS lab. XD I would like to thank my mentors and everyone else who have been part of this one way or another. Thank you for your mentorship, patience and guidance as well as taking the time to be with us in your very bust schedules. This have been a memorable experience and I will always remember it and miss them.
This programme gave me a first hand experience of how it is like to be a researcher, which is one of future occupations I have in mind now. Along the way, I realise that researchers must have good time management. Often, there are long waiting times and they must plan their time carefully in order to maximise their day and get things done in time. Also researching is often independent work, although there are still teams. So it really is a self-motivating career and the best way to stay motivated is to have a passion for what you do. (To Mingjie and Ivan: Don't say I didn't listen to you.) There are still deadlines, paperwork and stress in research, as with any other jobs. But if we love what we do, I believe everyday would be a happy day for you.
I have never really considered research as my career because I planned on going to medicine before. So this entire programme taught me to keep my options open. It is good that I have an end in mind, but along the way I should also consider other possible career options as well. The whole point of this programme is to learn new things and I think I truly did. I saw and experienced things that a normal JC student would not be able to experience in the mere 2 years. So to anyone out there who are offered an internship or is considering to join one, I strongly recommend you to accept the offer. It shows you a lot more of things that you would normally not see while studying. It also allows you to try out the different jobs available so you can get a rough idea of what you would like to work as. Saying this, I remember my time here at NTU and continue to take up more internships (if possible) and continue on my quest to learn more and see more. After all, there is no end to the sights and sounds of the world right?

Karmen