There are no two places more divergent in architecture and economy than the cities of Porto Novo and Cotonou of the Republic of Benin. While I was in Nigeria in May, I went to the Republic of Benin. Why? Because it is so close geographically. It is bordered by Nigeria to the east and a trip from the heart of Lagos into the Seme Border will take you just about two hours by car. Also, my dad wanted to visit a few of his friends so I tagged along for the free ride, free food and ...well, free everything. When we got to the border, I wanted to take pictures but as is typical of many African states, there were fierce looking border patrol people in khaki-like uniforms, that I dared not act the tourist. Truth be told, the best bet in a place like that was to act as inconspicuous as possible and in a grey and black dress with cream-colored cropped cardigan, I blended quite well into the dusty air and grey clouds. Although the border is notoriously known for "unofficial transports...
I turned 27 about a week and a half ago and I wanted to mark it in a different way. In the past, I usually go out with friends and have dinner with my family. Since grad school, I have spent my birthdays in lab working. I know. So, I decided to go on my first solo international trip ever (which turned out to be not completely solo....but life happens....in a refreshingly good way). I took the plunge, despite some of my friends and family indignation about solo traveling. I chose a place that I knew I would find interesting and will capture my attention for a week. So, yeah, no beachy resorts here ;). So, where did I go? Mexico. To be specific, the states of Quintana Roo, Yucat รก n and Campeche. Why Mexico? You ask. Well, it's close, it's cheap, it's convenient. My birthday (or birth week as I spent the week of my birthday there) was most enjoyable and fun.
No doubt, being in graduate school in and of itself is a daunting task. If you are the type that borders on paranoia, you will forever be looking over your shoulder mentally thinking everyone is out to get you. And if you are the type that's complacent, well, let's just say by the time you realize what time it is, you will be "forced" to graduate. Needless, to say, being a graduate student is an experience best lived or better yet, left alone. One of the most crucial decision made in graduate school - apart from choosing a mentor/lab - is choosing a committee member. I wrote some suggested criteria to choosing committee members that you can access here . After choosing committee members, you will want to set up what I call the "first meeting". 1 . This first meeting is important in starting you off on the right foot. Some of the members of your committee might not know each other, so having them in the same room is essential in getting them to know eac...
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