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2. Seems sad to me, his job was to make sure you are inspired, or at least informed to make a wise choice, but not scared off. But maybe he didn't know.
by quickthrower2 4y ago
2. Seems sad to me, his job was to make sure you are inspired, or at least informed to make a wise choice, but not scared off. But maybe he didn't know.
- taneq 4y agoSounds like “informed to make a wise choice” still applies? I had a similar experience with mathematics, having been “good at maths” in high school and then making friends in university with people who are ACTUALLY good at maths.
- drc500free 4y agoHe definitely didn't know (he was just excited about showing us Einstein summation notation), and he definitely informed me to make a wise choice. Not every degree program is about ensuring the best median performance, some are only concerned with picking out the world-changers. And that's okay.
- bognition 4y agoAs a disillusioned phd I appreciate your response here. For years I’ve beaten myself up for not doing noteworthy science. For some reason your words have washed away a lot of guilt.
- drc500free 4y agoGlad it helped! It was a bit crushing at the time (and TBH I am still working through residual shame here and there), but it was kind of like washing out of Navy SEAL training. There's no shame in not hitting the very top of the mountain. Hardly anyone does.