Even though the project I am currently working on is WAY different to what I do back at CSUF, having some research experience did help a lot when adjusting to the Thai laboratory setting. In my opinion, having hands on experience during undergrad is a must for any natural science major. Regardless if you need the independent research units in order to graduate, I believe it gives you a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the research world. Some will discover that this field is not their cup of tea, and that is completely acceptable. But others, like me, will discover the wonders of the mesmerizing scientific community. I strongly believe this program has given me the chance to confirm how much I enjoy participating in a research laboratory. It also corroborated how much I love genetics, molecular biology and my research back home.
Speaking of home, I cannot believe how fast time has passed, we had been here for 5 weeks and we have this last one to go. During this past weekend all of us were overwhelmed with a strange feeling that we are running out of time. So much more things to do and literally no time left, I am confident to say that all of us are going to miss Thailand the second we board the plane.
Traveling enlightens our perspective of the world in so many different ways and this trip has been exactly that: enlightening.
Carolina Mendoza