So far, my research project has gone well! It has had a few challenges and accomplishments.
I have learned the importance of staying focused because if I get distracted, one mistake can lead to a greater one. Working in a lab with people from different cultures has taught me a lot about the many different ways people communicate. Something challenging is remembering that research has failures, triumphs, patience, and takes time. Something else I have learned is how to be more independent. I have started conducting the lab technique “Western Blots” on my own without depending on the presence of my mentor. I still get nervous before doing cell culture because I get worried that my own fear will cause me to add a wrong product, but I am still trying to become more confident in that!
I have learned a lot about my own social identity in research. My mentor has always given me reminders of how being a woman and minority in research is a huge success to be proud of. I have noticed that being a woman in science, can sometimes be looked down upon, especially in this field that was once dominated by men. I would like to learn more about how many Latina/os my age are also in research. Part of my identity is English being my second language, so when I learn the name of a lab tool or product for the first time, I pronounce it in a funny manner or sometimes will stutter when trying to say a phrase. There are times when I just say, “sorry my mind forgot how to speak English today”, but it causes people to laugh rather than to be disturbed! 🙂