Naturally, I am a little bit intimidated. I mean, who wouldn’t be? After three long years of community college, I’m going to the big leagues. A research lab at a world class university, filled with graduate students who are the cream of the crop. This is my chance to show them what I’ve got and I don’t want to blow it! All these doubts and insecurities keep running through my mind. I just hope that I will be good enough.

Fast forward to my first day on the job and wouldn’t you know it…everybody is really nice! They treat me with respect and talk to me as if I am their equal. What was I even worried about in the first place? That is not to say that everything is easy. I am assigned tasks that are challenging, but manageable. I am talking about real hands on science. You definitely won’t be getting anyone’s coffee.

As I look back on my first few weeks of INSET, I can’t believe how time has flown by. I am pleased to report that I have not broken a single thing (yet). I love the fact that I am given enough independence to make mistakes and learn from them. That is what science is all about. If you ever have the opportunity to be an intern, I say go for it. Don’t be scared. The people you meet will more than likely be just like you.