So the past week has been busy as far as meeting with people and trying to finalize my thesis project. Yes, that's right ladies and gentlemen, I officially have a thesis project and advisor! The upsides? I've accepted a research assistantship that includes summer funding (which I had been pulling my hair over for the past two weeks) and I'm working on tying physiological and/or behavioral components into my project. The one downside? I'm working on clams and oysters. Yes, no fishies for me :( I decided that something had to give, and given all the good that comes with the project, I figured I could be lenient with the test organism. So far I know that I'll be completing a toxicology study; more details to come!
I have mixed feelings about giving up my TAship. On the one hand, I'm relieved to be rid of spending hours looking at lessons and dealing with many of my students. I'm tired of planning entire days around traveling to teach. On the other hand, I've had some amazing students and they're pretty entertaining. Oh well, now the TAship can go to someone who needs it.
Lately I've been finding a niche that's not related to my program. It's the Graduate Open Alliance, a new organization for LGBT grad students. It's been a bit difficult getting things off the ground, but I'm so excited about what we have planned for this semester. I'm the secretary this year, and it's the first time I've had such a huge role in an organization. On Friday we had a social trip to the gay club for a drag show, which is always so much fun! I love my marine biology friends, but it's nice to also have people who understand another side of me.
Well, off to bed soon for my Oceanography test!
