Life as a PhD student is full of unexpected moments that remind us of the beauty and complexity of the world around us. From celebrating cultural milestones to witnessing natural phenomena, and experiencing new traditions, each day brings a fresh perspective. Let me take you through some of the most memorable experiences I've had recently.
India winning the World Cup
Childhood dreams hold a special place in our hearts, and when they come true, the inner child within us is filled with joy. Speaking for most Indians, I can say we all slept much better after June 30th. Our current heroes, the legends of the game, finally lifted the trophy! The heartbreaks of the past two or three attempts made this victory even sweeter. It was a Saturday morning here, and I remember feeling that the weekend — and probably the entire week — was already made. When something that good happens at the start of the weekend, it truly feels like a good life!
Solar eclipse
The solar eclipse! Trust me, knowing the science behind it doesn't make it any less mesmerising. Let me paint the picture for you. Imagine the entire world around you goes dark, and the only thing you see is that beautiful ring in the sky — probably the biggest ring in our entire solar system! For those three minutes of totality, some people were shouting with amazement, while others were capturing the "dark" moment with their cameras.
Our entire PhD student gang was there, especially the astrophysics community. Their big telescopes and insightful commentary gave us a crystal-clear view of the totality. It felt unreal. As an aspiring scientist, witnessing this was particularly satisfying. The stars literally align in front of you, making you believe that the science you study is real. These are the moments that make the journey of a PhD worthwhile.
American weddings attended
I recently attended two very different American weddings, both for labmates I've been sharing this five-year science journey with. It was fascinating to see the contrasts! At one, people mostly thanked each other, while at the other, God got more shout-outs. The first was all about creating a picture-perfect memory — no kids, gorgeous outdoor venue, the works. The second? Totally laid-back, with everyone welcome and folks just doing their own thing, kids and all.
The ceremony was exactly how we have imagined from afar, thanks to American movies and TV shows! It was a wholesome experience. Both had a wedding website, and the way to send gifts is just a click on the site. Choose a gift that they have selected and it reaches their house along with your message. You don't even have to move from your couch! Such an efficient algorithm — indeed reflects "the American" way of doing things.
First student of the lab graduating
The senior-most student in my lab is graduating this summer, becoming the first to do so. Naturally, we had a heartfelt conversation, reminiscing about our three years of research and indulging in the luxury of nostalgia. Veritasium's statement, "Memories are photographs and not videos," resonated with me deeply during this reflection. He was part of the reason I joined this lab in 2021, as he was the first American student with whom I had an in-person conversation. His and our postdoc's warm welcome truly opened the door for me to join HoodLab and produce science there.
Reflecting on his journey, he remarked,
"It's so weird that after five years, you move on, but the lab stays right where it is."Such an interesting thought! Once you reach a goal and start a new one, when or what amount of time is right to reflect on the journey and savour the nostalgia? I bet everyone fights and finds that answer subjectively. Let me know if you find your answer!