PhD.

After four terms of rotating through labs here at BCM, I've finally picked out a home. I didn't think it would be so easy. Especially considering I have a tough time making all decisions these days. After those (many) years of wondering if I am cut out for grad life, I somehow got the courage to try it out. Unlike most people who rejoice after making a tough decision, I got started on my next problem which was... finding a PI (advisor in the Indian system). Googling the topic yielded many hits written by students who had obviously put in a lot of effort into screwing up fresh grad students for life. I mean, doesnt a 20 point checklist guiding you through the process seem a leetle too much? may be thats just m opinion.
For me, it just kind of happened. The lab just worked out for me. I decided, if at the end of the day I do not have suicidal tendencies, I have found MY LAB. What's funny however, is that in retrospect I realise i've broken almost all of the 20 odd rules to select a grad lab. Well, the first three anyway...

Rule #1: Your PI can not be a woman. Their hormones cannot be trusted. And the closer they are to menopause, the worse their hormones get.

Rule #2: Your PI can not be Asian. They work you like dogs and are never satisfied. They can not tell the difference between cheap labour and grad student.

Rule #3: You can not join a new lab. Not only are new labs poorly equipped (their entire collection of restriction enzymes has two entries: EcoRI and XhoI and the most expensive piece of gadgetry they possess is a uv transilluminator) they also have no experience in handling money, so that you are more likely to go without a few months' pay once-in-a-while.

Then how is it that I felt right at home here?? it's probably the fact that my PI is a brilliant woman who brings out the best in me.. somehow!! what more can I ask for?

So to all those who believed in me, thank you. let's see how this goes...