#polypeptoids

“We may live in an age of instant messaging, instant gratification and Instagram, but there is no way to short circuit the path to success.” - Tory Burch

24/06/2020, Wednesday.

I did it! On 10th June 2020 I graduated

Since my last post I worked on my thesis (wrote it in English, which is not common for undergraduate students), completed the PowerPoint presentation and kept attending on-line lectured. K. (my supervisor) was extraordinary! Yes, she left all the work for the very last week (almost died of anxiety), but when she got into it she helped me enormously

When the day came, I was more excited to present my work than anxious. I was worried because my graduation was on-line, but everything went perfectly. Family and friends could watch the presentation on the university YouTube channel ☺️

Even if graduation is enough, I could enroll for the postgraduate lectures I wanted! Double the joy

The downside is I had no rest time. I had to start study right after… But I try to do my best, I hope to finish exam in July

Any advice for a postgraduate student?

Personal life had been inexistent, all my forces are in academia. Not a big loss because in Italy there still are restrictions. I kept working out, but I need to do more because spending all my time in the house drives me crazy

“Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed” - Terry Goodkind

20/03/2020, Friday.

Another month passed by. It feels like everything stopped, but a lot has changed.

Academical situation:

On february 24th italian universities closed due to Covid-19 spreading. Official reopening on april 3rd, but the date is likely to be postponed because the situation appears to be critical. 

As a consequence I was unable to undergo my last exam (physical chemistry II - laboratory). Formal indications are: it is not possible to take exams from remote, as cheating can occur. As soon as the structure reopens, exams are scheduled. At the moment I do not have a date, most likely mid-april ⏳

Graduations is delayed as well. As previously, no approved date, june is a possibility. If that was definitive, I would be unable to attend first year second semester postgraduate courses and labs. I do not want to lose time… I do not want to wait till autumn…

What am I doing? Temporarily left aside my exam, I am concentrating on writing my thesis and following online classes (I refuse to fall behind)

Personal situation:

Rigid lock down began on march 2nd. I decided not to go at my family house, I stayed alone in my flat. It was the right call because I got ill, yes, it probably was the famous virus (I had the typical symptoms, in a light form, and in november I had myself vaccinated against flu).

I felt poorly for 7/8 days, even had fever on thursday the 12th. But now I am good, it has been 4 days since symptoms disappearance. I saw noone and followed certified indications (those communicated by official organisations). 

I do not find difficult to be in self-imposed isolation, the worst enemy is boredom. Since I got well, I’ve been doing yoga. And I am searching an at-home-training in substitution of gym one. ️‍♀️

How are you dealing with the situation?

Do you have any suggestion on at-home activities I could try? (New organising methods, smart-working techniques, home workouts, yoga classes, books… Recipes as long as they are light)

“You don’t have to do this, you get to do this” - Tom Kubis

27/02/2020, Thursday.

Physical chemistry II: On Friday 21st I passed physical chemistry II, theory

I was nervous and scared before my exam, as usual! Still need to do laboratory part: it was supposed to be on friday 28th… Guess what?

University is closed the whole week! Cause: coronavirus precautions

I do not have a new date yet. But I need to study like due date hasn’t changed because if it is postponed for too long I’ll have to split my time between study and thesis

Thesis: it has been two weeks since I was in the lab. I officially finished my samples, no more synthesis for me. Now I “just” have to write it

Self-care: gym is close as well… Slightly mad. Positive aspect? Yesterday I did yoga for the first time in moths! Turns out I lost flexibility! ‍♀️

“Things come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle” – Abraham Lincoln via Tina MiModels

07/02/2020, Friday.

One month had passed since last post. I started writing a few times but never finished, I thought I had nothing to share… I realised not posting had a negative influence on my productivity! I am aware it’s stupid, but I am generally more encouraged if I think about sharing my day

Catching up:

Physical Chemistry II: I started four weeks ago, not giving 100%… I kept postponing “real studying” and kept reading my notes over and over. It seemed like every day I had better tasks (chores, thesis assignments). But now the time has come: due date 21st february! It is so close

Good news are that I find the topic extremely interesting and I have my productively anxiety (about time!)

Thesis: I haven’t started writing yet. First I want to close the exam; that way I can focus on one task at a time! It is still not clear on what my thesis is about… Polypeptoids are the main topic, of course, but we have to decide on which aspect I should focus

Needless to say: the situation makes me distressed.

“Every moment of one’s existence, one is growing into more or retreating into less.” - Norman Mailer

02/01/2020, Thursday.

Here I am again: reading articles and plotting excel graphs. It is the first university related activity I do during winter break. Currently at my parents house and enjoying rest and family

I have no intention in working (for real) till I get back! No routine, no stress and no anxiety!

New Year Resolution: 2020′s goal would be consistency. I don’t have a list full of things I already know I won’t accomplish. My purpose is to build a path towards my future and become a person I’ll be proud to be, step after step

I need to focus on the present and stay honest to myself.

2019 thought me I have to work, I have to modify my life. I do not have to be scared of changes, they are opportunities. It thought me results will come if I do the necessary. Last year was full of personal growth and I am extremely proud