The Grand Finale

The final act tomorrow: Poster Presentation!!

A full day session of scientific poster presentation for all Final Year Project students in the School lobby. 152 posters on display, showcasing a multitude of life science research in the past 6 months!

It's as exciting as it sounds. This evening we were all at the lobby pinning up our own posters, which didn't take too long (like what, 1 min?), so we trawled the whole lobby, peering at each other's posters, taking photos with our own posters, catching up with each other (it's been ages since I last saw some coursemates!), etc. An amazing display of variety. I'm sure tomorrow will be a blast.

The examining session will take place in the morning tomorrow, as poster examiners view poster by poster, and we have to give a little speech on our work to them. I think it'd be quite nerve wrecking, but I think I might enjoy it as well. When my friend was viewing my poster just now, I was all excited explaining my work to her, although it's not like I had some really impressive conclusions to present.

The open session will be open to public, from 1330-1730. All are welcomed to the lobby of School of Biological Sciences for the Final Act! Come down for a stimulating discussion of life sciences research!

Don't forget moi poster #13 ah.

～みはる～

Doctor of Philosophy

I am pleased to inform you that you have been offered admission to research programme in our University.

I am pleased to inform you that you have been awarded the Research Scholarship.


These two back-to-back statements on the letter from the Graduate Studies Office hit me on the head like bricks from the wall. I'm still finding it difficult to swallow.


I'm offered money to study for doctorate.
*still no feeling*

Now, am I supposed to be jumping around happily? I think I should. But I'm not.
It's so weird. I really want to do PhD. Some four years later, I will have the chance to graduate with a title 'Dr.' It's like fulfilling the dream of being called a 'Dr.' since I left my ambition of pursuing a medical degree to be called a REAL doctor.

I enjoy learning and research work. But why can't I find the excitement of gaining admission right now?

Is it that I've been drained of all emotional energy with all the FYP madness that has yet to end? (It's ending tomorrow)
Is it that it's not a research programme overseas?
Is it the familiarity of the university that makes me feel unexcited?
Is it that I'm still undecided between continuing education and launching a career?
Is it that I'm not prepared?
Should I still apply for Research Programmes else where? I'm still like, in the midst of applying for the scholarship for research in Japan. (I want a sakura-filled campus!!)

What should I do?

～みはる～