A couple of months ago I struggled with trying to figure out whether to take on a particular undergrad student (UgS) in the lab for the summer. I did a lot of thinking about the situation and the program that I had committed to being a part of and finally decided that it was a good idea to do so, even if it meant UgS might turn out to be a huge time sink. After agreeing to this and prepping myself to better deal with the situation, UgS has recently bailed from the program and I found out today that they will not be in the lab this summer.
As you might imagine, I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand I am selfishly happy not to be faced with the amount of training I was going to have to do. On the other, it seems like an opportunity lost. However, under the circumstances by which UgS decided not to be involved with the program this year, it is probably for the best. Of course now I'm stuck with a project and no one to work on it.
1 day ago
Urgh that is frustrating. You seem to be understanding of why UgS bailed which I hope is a positive for them.
ReplyDeleteThat blows UgS couldn't make it. Maybe put the project in the special UgS cubbyhole until the next one comes along?
ReplyDeleteThis is a blessing.
ReplyDeleteConsider yourself lucky. Next time a suitable UG comes along you will have more experience, so the mentoring will (hopefully) take less effort.
ReplyDeleteSM - I understand why UgS is not coming in, but I'm not understanding of their decision. Some people recognize an opportunity and dodge small obstacles in their path. Others use those obstacles as an excuse to avoid pushing themselves. UgS has done the latter, which is why I would agree with the rest of you, that while the experience was valuable, this result is probably for the better. There's only so much I can do. The motivation to participate has to come from the kids.
ReplyDelete