Lab meet

We haven't been meeting for quite a long time. Actually it was not a 'formal' meeting this morning but more like a discussion. Diana is back in the lab to patch up her thesis writing. So we had a meeting this morning with boss where Diana shared with us some knowledge and info that she learned when she attended a workshop on stem cells. Her presentation was good. I mean she has always presented well but this time better. I noticed that she has changed somehow after she starts working in CARIFF. She told us she had this cultural shock in the earlier months when she just started working there. In CARIFF, they treat research seriously, everyone is agressive, and they move on a faster pace. Now, I guess Diana has that sort of 'fire' that is burning in her too. The excitements in her eyes when she talks about research. Passion that is.

Boss talked a lot too. Not only about research, but also shared his views on ethical issues in embryonic stem cells, ambilical cord blood, to Down Syndrome baby and genetic testing... He shared some of his own experience when he did his study overseas, how he was discriminated and how he had worked harder to prove them wrong. He talked about doing good science and appreciating it. And a lot more about the meaning of life.

I realise it is not about where you come from but rather what you are and what you could become that matter. People may look down on you but we could prove them wrong by showing them what we could do. Start small yet dream BIG. Never lost hope.

p/s: I dedicate this entry to all my friends who were doing research be it abroad or local, who strive on to make life more meaningful, and the world a better place to live in.