And now, a word from your friendly graduate student

This week, I'm skipping the usual science story in favor of something different: a look at the life of a graduate student who will be defending her thesis in a week.

Yup, that's right, the marvelous PhD adventure is already and finally coming to an end. I say "already" because the last 6 years were filled with new friends, interesting courses, exciting science and all the perks that come with being a student (2 words: free transit). I say "finally" because the last 6 years were also filled with too many new beginnings, many frustrations, and a whole lot of stress. Overall, an amazing experience, but like all good things, it must come to an end, and it's time to move on.

That being said, it's not over until it's over. At the end of April, I will stand in a tiny room filled with professors and a few supporters (I'm so very excited that my parents are making the trip to come and encourage me!), summarize the last 6 years of my work in 20 minutes, and then get grilled on everything I know until I wave the white flag of ignorance. So until then, every single one of my days consists of waking up, studying, freaking out when I realize that I don't know anything about anything, then going to bed, and having dreams about my defense. It's a bit of a roller coaster ride, but I've done this before (for my comprehensive exam, the mid-PhD grilling to make sure you're worthy), and I've gotten better at it.

So stay tuned for the next post, in which you will learn if I'm a doctor or not, and regular programming will return shortly. I've been saving an interesting article on what to eat to ward off dementia, and I think you'll want to hear about it.