You don't own me

I can also remember ever since my second year of my BScH, Professors have warned us to not let science take over our lives. I always thought, what nerd would let that happen--its a lot easier than you think it is. I let science, and work in general, take over my life for years and years. For 2.5/4 years of my Undergrad I worked almost EVERY single Saturday, Sunday and holiday. That was brutal. I think in those 2.5 years I had maybe 2 weekend days off, and that was it. It really sucked. It really is important to have interests outside of work. Things that you like to do that have NOTHING to do with your work/research. For the first time in a long time, I have those things.

I LOVE spending time at the Kingston Humane Society, and volunteering at their events. I definitely feel bad, as I haven't been there in over 10 days and will for sure make it there sometime this weekend. I also LOVE spending time with my little sister, through Big Brother's Big Sisters. I start back to my normal shifts with CAP next week so I am excited for that. Due to extenuating circumstances, I haven't seen her in a month, and that is super disappointing as well. I also like going to little festivals in the area, going fishing, and going for walks at the local conservation areas. Even just devoting time to the gym, tv shows, crossword puzzles, reading novels, etc. all helps take your mind off your work.

Everyone also always stresses the importance of having a good group of friends outside of your lab/department when you are a grad student. It decreases the chances of having "lab drama" and you don't end up in this miserable sap-fest about your projects all of the time. This couldn't be more true. I was guilty of this at the beginning on my MSc for sure. Especially because I really had no good friends in the Department outside of my lab, which was just one other person (one more than now!). When I think of it now though, I have a small number of close friends outside of the Department, who I love and are all doing very different things from me. In fact, ask any one of them what I study...they won't know really.. and that's the way I LIKE it. I have friend's in other MSc programs including Pharmacology and OT, I have a friend teaching math in China, I have a friend in HR at SLC, I have a friend working at a coffeehouse in Niagara Falls, and one who is a graphic designer at the school of Business. I think it's a pretty good mix and I am happy with it, especially now that I have more friends from all over the department...the sad, dwindling department.

I guess the point I am making is, I know see the importance of being involved outside of your department, having a good mix of friends, and not letting your project own you.

That's all I got for now.