University of Guelph Bacterial Genomics Day 15: Welcome to College and Career Day!!
Hello from Guelph, Ontario! Welcome to another day with THE one and only Guelph Bacterial Genomics cohort!
The morning began with a walk from Watson hall to breakfast under a thick, dusty orange sky. Our footsteps were fueled by consumption of slightly sub-par oxygen quality. Wildfires had broken out in northwestern Ontario, about 1,300 kilometers from Guelph (just over 800 miles), and a smoky haze had inhabited several northeastern regions of Canada and the US. Luckily though, our ever-preparred TA’s dished out stocks of face-masks to us participants, maximizing our breathing experience. We were unfazed by the haze, because today marked one of the most exciting days… It was the long-anticipated College and Career day at Guelph SSP! This meant big things: suits, networking, highly-coveted and nuanced college application advice from some very renowned people, and of course, a quality pre-professional larp-sesh with our good friends from the Biochem cohort.
Just after lunch, we headed back to Watson to put on some business-casual attire, fitting for the occaison. Then, it was up to the fancy fifth floor of our dining building for a seminar with Admissions Officers from the world’s leading institutions for science and technology. We heard first hand advice from AOs at MIT, Caltech, Harvey Mudd and Purdue. Next, we indulged in an interactive “mock admissions panel” workshop, where we assumed the role of AOs. To wrap up the afternoon, we had a very in-depth, comprehensive Q&A session with our very own academic faculty. We queried about their career paths, their motivations and how they each came to find their respective abundances of professional success. One key message that I took from the day was that there is no one road to achieving career fulfillment. Focuses may shift, new opportunities may arise, but the important thing is that you stick to what brings the most sincere gratification. That’s what true success looks like. It was such a privilege to have an afternoon like today’s, packed with inspirational advice and nuanced, future-centric insights we really couldn’t get anywhere else. I think that really speaks volumes about the culture here at SSP. The Program truly supports and nurtures us participants in all realms; it teaches us the soft, social and team-working skills essential for higher education, and it propels us towards careers at the frontiers of science. It’s fascinating to actively observe how SSP breeds future leaders of the field.
In the late afternoon came a second stroll back to Watson for a second outfit swap, this time to covet the full blazer/suit shabang. After freshening up came the evening, and it was back down to the Atrium for a cross-cohort social dinner with Biochem folk. At my table, we shared discussions of favorite movies and funny stories about thrill-seeking friends. Though the communal brain-fog and sleep-deprivation may have weighed on our energy levels, it was these good laughs and convos that left us feeling rejuvenated. I’m thankful to be in this program with such a genuine and absolutely brilliant group of people.
To wrap up the evening, we had a guest speaker presentation from Dr. Teresa Mastracci, a developmental biologist from Indiana University Bloomington. Her research centers around the specialization and differentiation of pancreatic cells, specifically the generation of insulin-producing beta cells. She explained how the protein, eukaryotic initiation factor 5A, is incredibly key for determining whether the pancreas will be able to create these insulin-producing cells, and I was honestly nerding out. The guest speakers recruited here really are the best of the best!
When the presentation wrapped up, we all hung out around the atrium for a little longer with the Biochem kids before heading back to the dorm. But of course, the night could not have been complete without a signature Watson lounge hang-out. We played some cards, watched a movie and shared some laughs before heading to sleep.
Today was another great day of SSP, filled with insights about the journey towards our future. Whether it be linear or zig-zagged, the road to professional fulfillment is never universal, but is always incredibly meaningful. I am so grateful to have had such an amazing C&C day, alongside the best SSP cohort imaginable!
Sending best wishes from Guelph!
Ella
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Ella
SSP Participant
Hi everyone! My name is Ella and I am a rising senior from Peterborough, Ontario. I am fascinated by the biological sciences; everything from mobile transposons to stem cell differentiation, it is the most amazing fields of research, in my opinion. Beyond science, I love making charcuterie boards, an assortment of sports, capturing photos, spotify, eccentricly-flavored caffeinated drinks, and a quality walk-and-talk with friends. SSP has been an absolutely incredible experience so far and I cannot wait to see what next week holds!
