Perhaps you’ll scratch your head if I ask you this question. Can you still remember how to write an essay? That wasn’t long ago since you were instructed to write an essay of a given topic eh?
Although it’s been close to a decade since I graduated HS. I still need to write an essay or two for some courses attended during Grad School. Recently I attended a course about how to write and publish your scientific papers. Once again, the instructors during that course reminded us the tip of how to write a good paper. They kept saying, “Always refer back to your aim when you are stuck!” Yes, always go back to the aim, as simple as that. This was what we were taught during HS or even earlier when we were asked to write essays, compositions or answering long essay questions of other subjects other than linguistic subjects.
This is not an entry about how to write an essay. It is actually about referring back to our aim or objective of things when we are stuck on whatever we are pursuing.
I was initially representing the Grad students in my department as member of the department council. I was all into it in the beginning since I was nominated. But after attending several meetings and also attempted in organizing some activities for the department. I come to realize the lack of response from the staff and students as well as a laid back system of the council had really de-motivated the organizers events including me. I admit I was a little disappointed about this but there’s really nothing much I could do. When the council reshuffled, I was slightly hesitated in whether I should continue in serving the council. I realize since I no longer enjoy organizing the events for the department whilst at the same time investing too much of my research time, it is better off for me to return to what I should be doing. Therefore with the aim brought back to my sight, I decided to let those who really have the motivation and energy to serve to take up the chore.
Few days ago, LC was complaining about her frustrations on how her supervisors were giving more attention to another student than her in her laboratory. I empathize LC as I do feel the same occasionally. But when I ask myself, “Why I am here?” All negativities and frustrations are swept away instantly. I am here to learn and equip myself as much as possible; I am learning to be independent. So I should be grateful that I am getting the freedom to be independent instead of having my supervisors be my nanny spoon-feeding me all the time.
Gossips or even the so-called office politics are happening everywhere. When this happens in one’s surrounding, again, asking one of what was one’s aim to be there? Are you there for your job so that you can get your check every month to pay your bills? Or are you there to acquire some skills? Once our mind is all clear with our aim, then it is easier to stay away from those gossips or politics since there are not our aims to be there.
The ultimate aim of my interest in medical research is that I hope to contribute something to improve any disease of mankind, albeit my contribution would be very little (if any). I hope that I will always keep this aim in front of my sight to drive me as far as I can.
It is very easy for us to fall into a trap or get stuck somewhere while we are in a process of continuing something (it can be anything other than career). Times like this, we should just need to constantly asking ourselves “What is my aim?” “Why I wanted to do this in the beginning?” “What I really wanted initially?” and very soon we’ll be able to go back on track.
♥ every page of my imagination
