Today, I made a realization - I realized how much I love the Boston area. It is something that I've been thinking about recently, but now I think I have a better idea of why my love for this area is so strong. Today at work, I realized how much progress I have made in understanding what I do. I knew nothing about mass spectrometry, very little about proteomics, and was an infant in web programming. It is SO exciting to see how much progress I have made. What does this have to do with Boston? I have been surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the country in the field of mass spectrometry. It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to work where I work.
At lunch, we had a pizza talk with Dr. Shoelson from the Joslin Diabetics Center speaking. His presentation focused on a drug that is currently in its first clinical trials that may revolutionize obesity and diabetes in America. I have always been skeptical about quick fixes to big problems, but the data he showed were pretty impressive. I love opportunities of being on the forefront of technology!
On my way to my class at the Harvard extension school, I began observing the students. As I made my way to class, I thought about how some of the world's greatest minds are/have been/will be here. In a minuscule way I am a part of them, I thought. In case I haven't told you about the class I'm taking, it's called Internet and Society: Politics of Change. As you can imagine, we talk about how the internet is changing our society. The professors are top-notch and provide interesting and mind-stimulating conversation. In today's class, we not only talked about the Orange Revolution which happened a few years ago in Ukraine, but also a guest from Ukraine came and spoke about some of his experiences in helping to lead the revolution. He was a member of the alternate news website Maidan, and helped use internet and SMS services to topple the existing and corrupt government. As my class came to a close, I marveled at what a cool class I have. Then I started thinking to myself that there is probably no place like Harvard. I fully acknowledge that there are probably other great establishments out there, I am simply a little biased. I also acknowledge that some of the people here are caught up in themselves, but the opportunity of being in their midst is truly worth it. Is everyone in Boston oozing with intelligence? No, but it is definitely nice to run into smarties moreso than I'm used to.
In conclusion, when I moved out here 10 months ago I had no expectation of what kind of experience I would have. Now I love Boston in a really deep kind of way. That's all I have to say.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
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6 comments:
Hear hear! I love reading posts from people who love this town as much as I do. :-) Boston is awesome for a number of reasons, some of which I jotted down last year (see http://fishiefishies.wordpress.com/2007/04/16/hello-world/). And Trent, it's great that you're here. You fit right in.
Great story. I grew up in the area, attended Boston University, left for about 9 years to live and travel all over the world, but came back here to settle down -- it's a very special place.
Glad to see you are enjoying the Extension School class. It's an educational gem, and provides a lot of opportunities for people who love learning.
I'm glad you still love it there and that you keep finding reasons to love it. Optimism/thankfulness usually has a direct correlation with happiness.
I also wonder how rich I would be if I had a dollar for every time you said you love it there. That would be fun. I would be RICH!
;)
Hold on a second, I'M RICH. Let's not get us confused...anyway, I am a bit envious of you right now Trentathon.
Yeah, I spent ten years in the DC area before moving for school. I always tell people, "I got my degree from BYU, I got my education in DC." There is something about being surrounding with a bunch of smarties.
Last Sunday I had dinner with a few of my fellow "DC Refugees" now living here in Utah. It was GREAT! It was intelligent, meaningful conversation. And the best part? No one shunned you if you hadn't read The Work and the Glory or if you didn't know who was recently kicked off American Idol. (Victory!)
Also, I've been to Boston several times and I LOVE IT! (All hail, Mike's Bakery!) Good for you that you're diggin' where you live.
I did have a question, though--did you say you listened to a presentation on obesity...while eating pizza?
One Southern Bell - I absolutely love DC. I will definitely return. I'm glad you appreciate Mike's Pasties.
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