I was going to transfer. I was done with community college. Then my professor asked if I wanted to help with her research. On water quality in the Bay. I said yes. I didn't know what I was saying yes to.
I learned how to test water. How to collect samples. How to label vials. How to store them. It's boring. It's important.
I learned how to use equipment I've never seen. A spectrophotometer. A centrifuge. Machines with buttons I was scared to touch. I touched them. They didn't break.
I learned that research is slow. We collected samples for months. We ran tests for months. We didn't find anything surprising. That's okay. That's science.
I learned that community college students can do research. I thought research was for grad students. For people at big schools. It's for people who show up. I showed up.
I learned that I want to keep doing this. I'm applying to transfer next year. But I'm not in a rush. I have one more semester with my professor. One more project. One more chance to learn.
I'm glad I stayed. I'm not done yet.
I learned how to test water. How to collect samples. How to label vials. How to store them. It's boring. It's important.
I learned how to use equipment I've never seen. A spectrophotometer. A centrifuge. Machines with buttons I was scared to touch. I touched them. They didn't break.
I learned that research is slow. We collected samples for months. We ran tests for months. We didn't find anything surprising. That's okay. That's science.
I learned that community college students can do research. I thought research was for grad students. For people at big schools. It's for people who show up. I showed up.
I learned that I want to keep doing this. I'm applying to transfer next year. But I'm not in a rush. I have one more semester with my professor. One more project. One more chance to learn.
I'm glad I stayed. I'm not done yet.