A Letter to My Future Self: Reflections on the Journey So Far

 

Dear Future Oluwatoyosi,

I hope this letter finds you well and not completely burnt out from all that lab work. As I write this, I can't help but wonder if you've finally figured out how to clone yourself so you can get everything done. I mean, really, how do you manage to juggle all those experiments, classes, and whatever semblance of a social life you've managed to maintain? You're a superhero, I tell you.

But seriously, I hope that you're still enjoying your research this new year. I mean, who doesn't love spending countless hours in the lab, staring at a computers and trying to make sense of it all? It's like a never-ending puzzle, except you don't get to see the final picture until you're old and grey. But hey, at least you get to wear a cool lab coat right?

I also hope that you've finally stopped comparing China to the United States. I mean, I get it, you've spent a lot of time in Beijing, but seriously, can't you just enjoy the culture and food without constantly making comparisons? You're like a broken record.

And for the love of all things scientific, I hope you've finally figured out how to isolate those cells you wrote a proposal on and I do hope you got the grant. I know it's been giving you a headache for months now, but come on, you're a PhD student. You're supposed to be the expert.

I hope that you've managed to find some balance in your life, even though I know that's probably a pipe dream for a PhD student. But hey, if anyone can do it, it's you. Just remember to take breaks, get some fresh air, and try not to completely forget what the outside world looks like.

With love and a healthy dose of shenanigans,

Oluwatoyosi.