I think I made it to the (sort of) end of the semester. I still have to give a quick presentation on some project results and argue about some other papers in another class, but I think I’m through the worst.
I did a 299r class, codeword for “doing your own research.” We got our paper out last month and I’m pretty happy with it. Hopefully it gets in.
Two of my classes had major projects this semester. I’m happy to say that they’re both in good shape. I still need to write full papers for the projects, but due to the Harvard’s refusal to make the calendar (or anything else for that matter) align with anyone else, I have until mid-January to get that out. Until then, there’s plenty I can do for the projects, but that will always be the case. These will no longer be the source of any upcoming aneurysms.
I’ve also made it through the paper reading gauntlet of my three classes. I’ve learned to love/enjoy/tolerate reading academic papers this semester. Then again, maybe they seem more enjoyable compared to the sources of work I’ve run into this semester. One really nice thing about papers is they’ll never stop working and require a total redesign.
Finally, TAing (TFing in Harvardese) went well, from my end at least. I did spend a lot of time adapting labs to new equipment. I made a conscious effort to complete every lab myself to make sure everything worked and I understood it inside and out. I’ve had labs where this was true (and when it was not). The well tested labs were, well, smoother.
So, here I am. I still have to write a few papers, correct some homeworks, and refine some projects. Everything is in good shape, so I’ll be able to enjoy Florida with a clear conscience. Sure, i”ll have to work a bit, but I’m looking forward to enjoying the beach with my santa hat and not worrying about plots and results.
But don’t tell my advisor =).