Hi future self. I have just now started at the HomeLab. So far it seems like I’m going to really like it. The people seem nice and the work seems to be captivating and introspective. At this point in my life I feel very content. I’m proud to be making my own money and I am grateful that I ended up in a positive environment.
I currently have very broad expectations on what working on the Harmony project will look like. I am expecting it to feel different than the work I did last year. It didn’t feel like I was actually working with people, just their words. However, this time around I will be working while the study is taking place instead of working after the fact. Not only that but my PI will be present to watch me work. I expect this change to make me nervous in the beginning. I do think the initial stages will be similar to what I’m used to, which is why I’m more excited about working on other projects and interacting with people. I also know that when the time comes I will enjoy getting to be around kids and families. My fears going into this are focused around embarrassment. I know that people make me nervous but I don’t to appear anxious to participants. I also don’t want to look like I don’t know what I’m doing in front of my bosses . I know that mistakes happen but I much rather prepare for and avoid them.
I know that I bring a unique perspective to the table. I see patterns that other people don’t and I’m able to unravel people and situations better than most. I also can bring a lot of positivity to favored environments and that’s something that will be needed when working on parts of the project that are tedious or emotional. I hope that through working on Harmony I learn how to express a more scientific side of myself. I hope to learn more about people and parent-child relationships. I hope that I become better at maintaining relationships and networking. And finally, what I want the most from this experience, is in 9 weeks I am able to say that I am content with the work that I have done, that I know that I did my very best at all times even if that looks different every time. Working in the HomeLab achieves a goal that I have spent a log time aiming for. I look forward to seeing what comes of it and what I have to say about my experience and performance.