My intentions were there. My heart was set!
I loved science (still do) and felt passionately about understanding the chemical principles that govern biological processes. I was going to pursue a PhD! However, the question remained…
Would I be capable of performing research in a laboratory?
Working in a laboratory involves conducting experiments that require a high level of dexterity which are difficult to complete without fingers. I struggled… For months I could not get my experiments to work, let alone give solid data.
The prospect of being the first in a family of Colombian immigrants to obtain a PhD appeared to dwindle.
However, the key word here is “appeared”. During these times there were no other graduate students or faculty members that I felt could understand how I was feeling… ALONE. Nevertheless, empowered by my past successes, I never gave up and stayed true to my vision.
I remembered the challenges I faced as a child that I had overcome. Learning how to write with a pencil, learning how to shoot a basketball, learning how to ride a bike… At one point all these challenges “appeared” hopeless and have one commonality. I PERSEVERED. I did what I do best… ADAPT!
I ultimately overcame the technical challenges associated with research and my work flourished. Shortly afterwards, I was awarded a prestigious fellowship from the National Institutes of Health… and in less than 4 weeks I will be defending my thesis and completing my PhD in chemistry from Brown University. 👨🔬 During difficult times it’s challenging to think of nothing but the present. However, remembering our struggles and successes gives us the strength to continue moving forward. 🦾
YOU ARE LIMITLESS!
Thank you to today's contributor - @davidgarcialimitless (on IG, FB, YT, TT)