My advice for someone who would like to follow in my footsteps is that if you have a passion, have the science mould around your passion as opposed to moulding your passion around the science. For example, my main passion in science is aquatic Species at Risk conservation and ecology, while prior to my thesis I had no interest in molecular biology. It was only when my passion could only be obtained through the lens of molecular biology that DNA became exciting to me!
Also, I recommend one to take every opportunity as it presents itself and to continuously seek out new opportunities. Every relevant job, course, and volunteer work that I have had in my academic career has provided connections and experience for the next opportunity. If you work hard and are passionate about what you do, your day job feels a lot less like work ;)
My advisor was more like my mentor. He is very open, honest and helpful, which made me very comfortable to express my ideas and also to discuss different issues concerning my academic life.
Make your research project/thesis something you're passionate about. If you have a great idea, take it to a professor and see if you can make it into a project.
Figure out what motivates you, what you’re passionate about and what will drive you now and in the future. Start talking and engaging with people around campus. Go out of your way to get involved. It will pay off! The University of Guelph is full of passionate and interesting people and your attempts to connect with them can create opportunities you wouldn’t expect.
Remember that research never goes as planned and to not let failed experiments or unwanted results keep you from working hard on your degree. No one gets through graduate school without failed experiments and huge changes in their project plans.
While it's true that you should work hard to reach your goal, burnout is real. Allow yourself to take breaks when needed; take a nap, play video games, and laugh at some memes. Life will feel less annoying.
The University of Guelph is a small family in itself with a lot of support to facilitate different types of lifestyles. My ability to feel safe and learn without worry is something I have admired.
