I was in my last year of Epidemiology school, and I had to work on my final project before I could get my degree. The final project was planned out, but it needed to be actually carried out. It was about tracking influenza activity with lab tests, rapid lab tests. Most of the clinical labs in the nation, and many hospitals for that matter, have rapid flu testing kits. These kits are not as accurate as more advanced methods, but they do a good job. My project was to use their results to track the flu and beat CDC to announcing when the flu was most active.
But I was in a bit of a rut about it because there wasn't much interest in the community and amongst my professors for my project. Flu surveillance is important only to a certain few, not the ones who'd set my grade. So my project was not moving in any direction, and my graduation seemed far away.
I had started dating De that summer, and we had the greatest chats about everything in our lives. She noticed that I was in a bit of a rut about my project. We had just gone to a park to relax and have fun running around. (She beat me at soccer, but I'm not telling anyone.) As we swung back and forth on the swings, like little kids, we talked about my project. I explained it to her, and she thought it was great. Then she told me to get on with it.
I did.
A few months later, in the middle of the Valentine's Day storm of 2007, I presented my flu surveillance project to faculty and staff, and a couple of friends, at my school. They were impressed. Later that summer, I got my new job, and one of the first things I changed was the flu surveillance system in the State.
I'd like to think that we are all a little better for it. I know I'm better for being with her.
She inspires me to do wonderful things.
But I was in a bit of a rut about it because there wasn't much interest in the community and amongst my professors for my project. Flu surveillance is important only to a certain few, not the ones who'd set my grade. So my project was not moving in any direction, and my graduation seemed far away.
I had started dating De that summer, and we had the greatest chats about everything in our lives. She noticed that I was in a bit of a rut about my project. We had just gone to a park to relax and have fun running around. (She beat me at soccer, but I'm not telling anyone.) As we swung back and forth on the swings, like little kids, we talked about my project. I explained it to her, and she thought it was great. Then she told me to get on with it.
I did.
A few months later, in the middle of the Valentine's Day storm of 2007, I presented my flu surveillance project to faculty and staff, and a couple of friends, at my school. They were impressed. Later that summer, I got my new job, and one of the first things I changed was the flu surveillance system in the State.
I'd like to think that we are all a little better for it. I know I'm better for being with her.
She inspires me to do wonderful things.
Good for you, Ren! I always knew you'd make a mark in the world, and you're taking it one state at a time. Maybe they'll adopt your system in Massachusetts so we Massholes will have up-to-date knowledge of where the flu could strike next. It can be deadly, and few people know that or appreciate its seriousness. I think what you have done is remarkable! And you have the right lady behind you. She's an encourager. Many people never find one of those.
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