Brief background: my family is not financially comfortable, and I have wanderlust.
Circa May 2012. So walking into a cellular physiology lecture as an unremarkable BSc undergrad, I could not see any of my usual clique. Having a very surreal morning for various reasons, I decided to sit next to a random someone and strike up conversation. His name was James, and we eventually brought up the topic of a research scholarship, of which the application closing date was a week away. Successful applicants would receive the opportunity to work in a research institute of their choice, and around $2000. It was the first year this program would be running, so not many students knew of it. With only average grades and no work experience to my name, I went for it.
Fast forward two months and I had just finished my stint in a world-class neuroscience Institute. Having acquired a specific skill-set pertinent to the project that no one else had, my supervisor offered me a placement as a Research Assistant.
At 18 I became a staff member of my university, on a 50k salary plus-benefits. Access to staff-only parking and eating areas, social functions, professional development seminars. Professors, PhD's, and a person with the Order of Australia addressing me as equals. I was making more than my parents, and the feeling of contributing to the house mortgage and bills was uniquely satisfying.
Fast forward another four months and the year was nearly over, with a month long holiday in SE Asia planned with work colleagues with the money left over. Everything I saw was amazing. Angkor Wat. Phi Phi Islands. Mekong Delta. Ha Long Bay. Every food stall, ever.
I would sum up those experiences as any travel-bugged student's dream, and I had never felt more undeserving of anything so good. Thanks James Cleland!
Edit: Removed anon! I've warmed up pretty quickly to everyone here, to be comfortable sharing some personal details :)
Edit 2: My lab just informed me that I'll be co-authored on a paper, using data from last year's project. If you are interested in seeing my less-than-classy response, feel free to view my drunk celebration post on Quora.
Read other related questions on Quora:
- How did one email change your entire life?
- Do many small decisions taken over a long period of time or is it the one once in a lifetime big decision which changes your life?
- If you had to pick one decision, what decision contributed the most to the life you are living now?
from Quora http://ift.tt/2d8s27R
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