The perils of a Bio Grad that jumped right into Chemistry

There was no greater trail by fire in my life than the transition from academia into the lab.

I've given class presentations but I was not prepared to be put on the spot by doctors about late/missing specimens/recollects.

I've done genetics research but never before had I experienced the stress of QC repeatedly failing on my analyzer with time-sensitive tests and patients in the OR waiting on me.

The feeling of being a burden on my coworkers was unshakeable. I wasn't just raising my hand in class anymore, asking questions and having to be trained was just more work for my peers.

Cheers to the techs out there that take the care to mentor and have patience with the new guys. Here's to hoping I'll have better luck at my next lab.