Looking back, 2008 has been a great year. A year of many ups and downs, experimental success and failures but definitely filled with much joy and laughter. Through the many obstacles faced in 2008, I can only say that I’ve emerged from all the stress and unglam moments a much stronger person. I have been taught patience in the most unimaginable way (when mounting those extremely fragile 30μm sections) and how to be a more forgiving person when the most crucial part of your honours project nearly went up in scraps. I have learnt the meaning of perseverance and not to give up easily when faced with problems. More importantly, I have learnt to lean not on my own understanding and rely on my own effort but to trust God in all that I do. He was the one that held my hand and saw me through the tough times of 2008. He has brought me through another year. I am very thankful for every learning opportunity and to everyone whom has contributed to my 2008.
There is a long list of people that I would like to thank for making 2008 such a meaningful, memorable and successful year. I'm pretty certain that if I should start, I'll probably never end. Here's to everyone who has crossed paths with me: Thanks for being part of my life. I look forward to many more exciting times ahead in 2009. But I do have to thank certain people who have supported me selflessly in 2008.
Chewling: Thanks for making honours year such a memorable one and for accompanying me (without complains) when immuno-calls ended late. For the laughter which never failed to put a smile on my face.
Su-Ann: I wouldn’t have survived this year without your sugaristic deliveries. Of course, I have to thank you for supporting me and the many encouraging messages when the going gets tough.
Steph: Thanks for the absolutely wonderful company and for dragging me literally out of the lab. Many thanks especially to you and the HerbiLab for the awesome birthday celebration. I look forward to being a part of your lab. Though I just belong 50%, but your company is 100%. :) Not forgetting sleep therapy on your couch. Cassey is really a nice couch!
Chris: Fishing trip was awesome even though we did not catch any fish. I’m certain we will catch some trout or salmon soon.. Thanks for being such a great office mate and making LF Rm128 such a wonderful and lively place to be in. Work hard towards those certificates!
Zsuzsi: I really sincerely thank you for your support and friendship this year. My heart goes out, even longer than those immuno-runs and faster than the DAB reaction and more beautiful than the GnRH neurons. Thanks for making the lab so exciting and happening! I’m really thankful that I can be part of the lab. You’ve showed me that there’s a life outside science and brought me back to my outdoorsy nature.
Zsombor: Needless to say, you’ve been such an integral part of 2008. The office would be like a library without your jokes and laughter. Thanks for sparking within me – the fire for science. That spark has truly ignited a love for neuroendocrinology. Thanks for the many scientific and personal conversations! Work hard too for those certificates. May the certificate-wall be filled with certificates by the end of our three years.
Emeline: You deserve more than just words of thanks. I cannot thank you enough for showing me the robes and laying the foundation for me. Thanks for the endless and selfless support. :) You have made me see things with different perspectives and taught me so much more. Thanks for making a difference!
Lyds & Jen: Many many thanks for literally dragging me out of the lab and stopping me from living for science. Sadly, my life now does revolve around science and I politely request you to pull me out if I am spending too much time in the lab. Dining at Custom House would mean so much more next time eh.. You girls are simply wonderful!! I would have turned nerd without you.
Kenneth: You’ve supported and encouraged me in ways beyond comprehension. I thank you from the apex of my heart for the many conversations and words of encouragement despite the distance and time-space. Truly, only an honours student can understand what another honours student is going through. We’ve made it! And can now bask in the wonders of being an honours graduate. You’ve taught me lots this year too. To appreciate others and to use an ethanol-resistant marker when labelling eppendorf tubes. Thanks for letting me nick your media and L-glutamate when I ran out and also for splitting cells when I failed to multi-task effectively.
Sihui, Caroline & Shan: You girls have been such a great support. Thousands of miles away, yet you never failed to make an effort to contact and keep in touch with me. I look forward to returning and to re-live our youth again.
2009 represents a new year, new beginnings and also new resolutions. My resolutions are stuck up on the wall of the office, in a very practical place to be in. Each day I walk into the office, I am reminded of the goals of 2009.
We ushered in 2009 in the most meaningful way ever. We witnessed the first sunrise in the world for the new year. Watching the dawning of a new day on the 1st of January 2009, I was reminded of God’s goodness and His faithfulness. He never left me nor forsaken me. He was with me all the way, through the ups and downs of 2008. Yet I had not always entrusted to Him all that I do. God proved His sovereignty and faithfulness when I was never worthy of it. I stand in awe. May I learn from the mistakes of 2008, improve on it and make 2009 in the way that I should.
Happy new year everyone! :)
