Crazy Lately

Life is crazy lately. I’ve had two research proposals, an article, and a presentation to finish on top of the normal class/cume/lab schedule, making for a really insane week. I have a few deadlines coming up, but I am sure it’ll be better when I get past these. I am really excited about moving to a new apartment (where I can use the kitchen). I know April will be rocky, but we’ll get through it. I miss Jeremy a lot lately, as well as the cat. I wish things were different, but such is life. I think that it will make us stronger in the end if it doesn’t tear us apart now. I especially need his support through the next few years. I also miss my parents, though I talk to them regularly. I am tired tonight, but I have gotten some laundry done. Tomorrow night I’ll get to see Jeremy and then maybe I’ll get to head home Friday night. I’m off to finish essays. Maybe I’ll get funded eventually.

New Doesn’t Always Equal Scary

So, it has been forever since my last update, but I have been incredibly busy. In the past two months I have finished my senior projects, graduated from Piedmont, and started as a newbie here at Emory’s Chemistry department. I miss my family already, but I hope that my apartment won’t feel so empty when my roommate arrives in July. It would be nice to have a friend around. My mentor is so very patient with me and I really appreciate that from her because I know how important her time is (she is finishing in August, so she’s understandably irritated at having to teach me new techniques). I suppose I did not quite understand what I was getting myself into, but I do not regret being able to learn new things. I just hope that I can learn quickly enough to be able to get out of her hair soon. My project is basically a molecular biology project, so my lack of training really shows. I have never had a class in it or genetics and my knowledge of gel electrophoresis is pretty abominable, so it is quite a shock. BUT I am really going to try to take advantage of this summer’s challenges in hopes that I may become more well-rounded.

Heather is coming to visit me tonight, so I will enjoy some company. Then I plan to go home tomorrow night to see the family. Depends on how much I can get done tomorrow. More later when I’m feeling more inspired.

Here’s To 2008

It’s a beautiful day on the mountain–the sun is out and the weather is breezy. It’s my last “day off,” but I am really excited to be going back to school Sunday. I know it is my last semester at Piedmont, but it doesn’t feel like it. I think it’ll be a good semester, though, since I’m taking a few hours less than my 20+ norm. I plan to use some of my free time to work on my senior work, and also to visit departments.

The next few months will be exciting, stressful, happy, and sad. I hope that I can truly enjoy every moment since these will be the last before my next transition. I know I’m an “adult,” but I don’t really feel like it and I don’t know when I will. Sometimes the details of everyday life get in my way and can become slightly overwhelming, such as thinking about where I’ll live, how I’ll pay rent, or if I’ll have a “real job” someday. It’s kind of a scary feeling because I know that I should feel prepared and with it, but, many times, I lack confidence when reality comes knocking. I know that it is just something I need to work on, and I plan to work on many of these things in 2008. I will probably be teaching next fall and I need to be confident, not only for myself, but for those that I will have the chance to reach through my job. I will have others looking to me for guidance and leadership, and I need to believe in myself before they can believe in me.

I don’t know when or if I’ll ever feel “adult” and “with it,” but I am a work in progress. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not molded or changed in some slight way by those around me, and I need to be thankful that my life it so terribly sweet and good. I have a wonderful family, quirky though they may be, and great friends. I have all of the material luxuries that a girl can dream of, and so much more than I’ll ever deserve.

I think my biggest goal in 2008 is to become a more grateful and loving person. And also to feel more comfortable in my own skin. I try to remain humble by playing down my accomplishments, but I now realize that I can be proud of my past without being boastful. I have definitely done my share of work (there, I said it), but I have also had the most amazing supporting cast in the world. I see my accomplishments not as just my own, but also as a product of my parents’ love, my family’s support, my professors’ patience, and Jeremy’s faith in me. I believe that God has His own reasons for all things that occur in my life and that I should learn, grow, and evolve with every triumph and defeat. He has given me so very much, and I know that He expects much from me in this life. I am only human, and I will always be flawed, but I can use my faith to become more for Him.

I look forward to 2008 as a year of laughter, learning, and as an opportunity to grow in my faith. I want to keep my attitude positive despite challenging circumstances, which will be a challenge in and of itself since I am prone to melancholia and depression. But I know that I am strong, that I’ve got some great people working on my side (The Big Guy included), and I should cling to this like a lifeline.

Here’s to 2008.

Christmas

Christmastime always wears on me, but it can also be a bit refreshing. I enjoy the family time, but I think the best part is looking forward to the New Year. I had a great Christmas, though, and got way more than I ever deserved. I really didn’t do much this year for folks, but they seemed to outdo themselves. I appreciate it though. Among my spoils include: Pyrex casserole dishes w/personalized cover, two sets of my St. Moritz Wedgwood china (absolutely beautiful), a new leather wallet, a stocking full of goodies, cool books including a cookbook, kitchen implements, a Thermos caraffe, teas and coffees, new clothes, and much more. So, I definitely made out like a bandit, not to mention that I had a good time with the families (Johnsons and Adamses). Jeremy has been amazing. Aside from dealing with my bad moods, he also got me a beautiful gift–a gorgeous watch. I have needed one for so long. I always felt a bit less confident that I didn’t have a nice timepiece to wear at professional conferences or presentations, but now I have a very nice one. I really appreciate practical gifts like this, especially since he took the time to pick it out himself. That means so much.

I have been quite Scroogish this holiday season for reasons I’m not entirely sure of myself. It just hadn’t felt very Christmasy until yesterday between the weather and the stress of trying to find something special for each person. I think I did well with my gifts to people, though. I know it’s not supposed to be all about the gifts, but I do try to put a lot of thought into what I give to people to try to show them that I do care. It makes me happy to give people something that they’ll actually use and enjoy.

But my mood has been despicable lately and I know I just need to get over things. I think it’s partly because this break is so excruciating. I know most people would love this much time off, but it just about makes me crazy–I can’t stand not feeling productive. I’d much rather be studying or writing or cogitating than “breaking.” It doesn’t help that January and February will be the months where I’ll actually get to visit graduate school campuses and I won’t know anything more until then. Friends have told me that this waiting is the worst part. I know that I’ve been accepted to two of my top three schools, Clemson and UGA, which is definitely a relief, especially since they accepted me so very early. I am hoping to get decent offers from both, either teaching or research assistanceships. I don’t know that I’ll qualify for any fellowships since my GRE scores were low, but I am always hopeful. 

I know that I should practice living in the moment and not take any moment for granted, but it is so hard when the rest of my life is so close. I feel like everything that I want has been put on hold until I finish my undergrad degree–I can’t focus on research and I certainly can’t take part in any serious life-altering events (I’d lose my scholarships). But I can take comfort that the end of this is only four months away, which will fly by I’m sure. It is good and bad. Good that it’ll be another chapter of my education coming to a close, leading into another. Bad that I’ll be leaving behind some of my favorite people. I know that I love school, especially my professors. They have helped me in more ways than they’ll ever know, and I’m immensely grateful to them for it. I have been so blessed in my friendships. They all have molded and shaped me into the person that I am today without fully realizing their influence. I have been very lucky to have such a great support system.

This time of year always makes me nostalgic and introspective. I am always living in the past or the future, never in the present, and I know that this is a flaw of mine. Because there is so much beauty that I miss out on in the present.

Like this.

And this.

It really is all about spending time with those you care about.

I need to go work on my New Year’s resolutions. Much love.

Cleared For Takeoff

I received a letter this morning from Clemson’s graduate coordinator and they are sending me an acceptance letter soon with information about an assistanceship. Talk about exciting news. I am really looking forward to visiting them and speaking with the members of the faculty that I have been in contact with via email. They seem genuinely excited to have me, which says a lot for a department. We shall see what unfolds in the next two months.

Two down, three to go.

I know Jeremy has had a long, rough week, so I’m hoping he’ll feel better after some time to himself. I hope to get the last of the presents wrapped this weekend and maybe I’ll start in on the cooking. I still am not quite sure what I will be fixing.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend if I don’t get a chance to update! 

Clemson Letter

Hello Savannah;
 
First off, thanks for your note and for your interest in Clemson.  I’m very glad to hear of your interest in Clemson and hope you decide to apply to one of our graduate programs. 
 
When I first received your email I immediately forwarded it to Prof. G* in chemical and biomolecular engineering, because I knew of Prof G’s interest in biosensors and related topics.  I have an interest in biosensors and have worked on them in the past but my more recent interests are in materials for batteries and fuel cells, so I thought Prof. G might be a good match for you.  We (he and I) discussed a possible joint advising arrangement for you which is still possible; I thought we might discuss that further if your interest in Clemson stays strong and you come for a visit. 
 
I understand that he has been in communication with you, and that’s great.  I think that his C3B center would be a good match for you.  I hope you continue your communications with him and ultimately decide to apply to Clemson, if you have not already done so. 
 
Let me add one final thought.  We often invite especially strong prospective applicants to visit Clemson at our expense to explore opportunities for graduate study here.  Prof. G and I would like to extend such an invitation to you to come and visit for a day, to speak with faculty and see what we and Clemson have to offer that might be a good match to your interests.  You are quite close so it might be best for you to just come over for the day.  Or if it made more sense to do so we could put you up in a hotel.  Either way we would support your travel and local expenses.  If you want to do something like that please let me know, and we’ll schedule it. 
 
Thanks again for your interest in Clemson; and I hope I get to meet you sometime this spring during a visit.

Prof. C*

*Names removed out of respect for their privacy.

Quick Update

1. My research is going well. I have only a bit left to do at the beginning of next semester before I can start my senior thesis.

2. I had a great time with Jeremy, Tonya, and my family at the regional ACS meeting at the end of October. I was able to meet up with my advisor from this past summer, Dr. Urbauer. It was great to see him again. I presented our poster and had quite a few grad students and professors come over to discuss it with me, which is always good. I also met many of the professors from Clemson University, including Dr. Hwu, who spent about forty minutes talking with me about grad school. I was told unofficially by the graduate coordinator from Clemson that I would be accepted, which made my day. It was a good trip and I’m glad my family came to see me.

3. I was asked to present at the local Athens area ACS meeting on Nov. 30th by one of my profs, which will be a good experience, not to mention that I’ll get a chance to network. I’m looking forward to it. Unfortunately, Dr. Urbauer won’t be able to make it, but I’ll make him proud.

4. I recently got an email from the graduate admissions at UGA stating that they had accepted me into their program and that I would be receiving a letter from the Graduate School soon with the details. This came as quite a shock since I wasn’t expecting to hear from any programs until February or March, but it was definitely a nice surprise. So, hopefully I’ll be able to weigh the pros and cons of a few programs and make the best decision for me. I applied to GSU, Emory, Clemson, UGA, and USC, but I am hoping to go to a school that is more rural, so UGA and Clemson are my top two right now. We’ll see how it goes in the next few weeks. 

5. Jeremy is still wonderful. He’s incredibly supportive and I really need it right now.

6. I’m almost to Christmas Break! Then, I’ll have only 13 hours next semester–quite the slow down compared to my usual 24 hours. I’ll have more time to devote to studying for my orals and working on my senior work. Then, I’ll graduate in May. It’s crazy how fast time goes by. I’m looking forward to our family trip after graduation. Not looking forward to my possible ear surgery this summer. We’ll see how things go.

A Letter To My High School German Teacher

Guten tag, Herr Bradley!

I’ve missed you so much! How have you been? I have been quite busy lately, so I apologize for not keeping in touch. I finished my junior year at Piedmont this past May without my GPA suffering too much. I was quite nervous this past semester because I was taking biochemistry, organic chemistry II, instrumental analysis and a few math classes all at once, so I expected the worst during finals. Luckily my studying paid off and I made it out with A’s in my major classes and my only B in Calculus III (taught by a very hardcore teacher). My major is still chemistry, though I have tacked on a philosophy minor in addition to mathematics, much to the delight of my philosophy professor. My parents often joke that I should major in every major offered. Indeed, I have recently recognized my tendency to take on too much, leading to a condition of atypical depression that frequently leaves me either in a state of emotional paralysis or over-emotional ultra-sensitivity. I have taken steps to attempt to lessen the severity of these. I have also planned to take a lighter load next spring semester and then take most of next summer off to prevent complete burnout. 

Earlier this spring, I applied to several summer research programs and was accepted by all of them, though I did turn down Georgia Tech due to another equally qualified applicant was next in line who had not had a summer experience. To my surprise, UGA’s chemistry department actually called my advisor at Piedmont looking for me and accepted me quite early on, guaranteeing a nice stipend for my short nine week stay. I accepted their offer and began looking for a roommate in Athens, eventually settling in with a nice ecology Ph.D. grad student with whom I get along quite well.

I have been working with a very kind, intelligent professor who specializes in protein NMR and, more specifically, systems involved with breast cancer evolution. The work is intriguing, challenging, and, as with all jobs, has its monotonous moments, though I would not trade my time here for anything; it is also quite rewarding. I have learned so much from my two summers of research, and I hope that these will better prepare me for what may lie ahead in my academic career. My research advisor here wants me to present this project at the regional meeting of the American Chemical Society at Greenville, SC in October. I look forward to it, not only for presenting, but also for networking. I’ll definitely be taking copies of my CV for graduate recruiters.

In other news, I have been volunteering both my time and what little money I have (starving student) to three regional animal shelters, and I plan to continue volunteering to walk dogs and clean pens this coming school year. I have sponsored over eight dogs and cats by paying adoption fees and medical bills, most of which have been adopted to good homes soon thereafter. There are few things that I have found that are more rewarding than working with the animals, and I am sure that they will play a large part in my future, independent of my chosen career path.

I am still the luckiest person alive when it comes to family; they are relentless supporters of any cause I wish to pursue and I cannot be more grateful. The more people I meet in life, the more I am amazed by my parents and grandparents. My paternal grandfather has not been well the past year or so, his health declining due to emphysema. This has been very hard for us all because he has very good days and very bad day. He seems to obsess over death and consistently brings up the will and what will be left for all of us. He serves as the major inspiration for my love of science (he was a chemist for years), so it has been difficult for me to come to terms with his condition, though I am sure that The Man Upstairs has everything taken care of.

Last but certainly not least, I have fallen in love. Jeremy and I have been dating for two years now, and I don’t know what I ever did without him. He is my best friend, and he is such a blessing to me. He has seen both my bright and dark days, and, still, he loves me for me. We have grown to be able to laugh at each other, and also to be there for each other through harder times. I appreciate everything he does for me, and I cannot say enough good things about him. I especially appreciate his supportive attitude regarding my academics–he has always pressed that I should do what makes me happy, no matter the details. 

In closing, I’d like to say that I hope you and your family are well. I think about you all often. Let me know what you’ve been up to when you get a moment!

Much love,

Savannah

–
Savannah Johnson
Piedmont College”The professor talked much about Rhodium,
And then he expounded on Sodium.
His arms he did flail,
Until he turned pale,
And then he fell off of the podium.”

“The Chemistry Department is located near the Psychology Department for
good reason.”  - Allisha Ray (2003)

“The best scientist is open to experience and begins with romance – the idea that anything is possible.” — Ray Bradbury

Lucky In Many Ways

Hello Dr. Majetich!
 
Thanks for the safety update! It is so very important in lab. I’m from Piedmont College, but I’m participating in the Chemistry Dept.’s SURO program for undergraduates this summer. I believe that my advisor back at Piedmont was one of your group members at some point–Luther Elrod?

–
Savannah Johnson
Piedmont College

“The professor talked much about Rhodium,
And then he expounded on Sodium.
His arms he did flail,
Until he turned pale,
And then he fell off of the podium.”

“The Chemistry Department is located near the Psychology Department for
good reason.”  – Allisha Ray (2003)

“The best scientist is open to experience and begins with romance – the idea that anything is possible.” — Ray Bradbury
 

————————————————————————————————-

Savannah…

       Glad you have a healthy sense of safety consciousness already
ingrained in you.  I didn’t enjoy sending out the messages yesterday
but if they help avoid someone getting hurt, they served a valuable
purpose.

       As for Luther Elrod, Lou was a graduate student of Professor
Charles Stammer, a peptide chemist.  Since I was young then, I got to
teach most of the graduate classes;  hence, Lou was in several of my
classes.  Recently I used his notes from one of my classes to teach
part of one of our graduate courses.  Even back then Lou was destined
for an academic career…he was able to take my disorganized lecture
notes and give some sense of order to them.

       I hope your summer undergraduate experience is an enjoyable
one, and a safe one.  Don’t hesitate to visit me and show me what you
are working on…

       George Majetich

————————————————————————————————————————-
  

George,

Oh, I see. I knew he had mentioned you many times in class, though I knew not in what context. He is my advisor now, and even though it is a tiny department (two chemistry majors graduating this next year), I really appreciate his dedication to his students, whether they are chemistry majors or otherwise. He is a great teacher, and speaks highly of you.
 
I am currently working with Jeff Urbauer in the Davison Life Sciences complex. My project involves monitoring a specific peptide binding site using NMR titrations and techniques. It’s pretty interesting, and I’m excited to have this opportunity!
 
I participated in a similar program last summer at the University of Pittsburgh, though the project there involved a lot of lanthanides and fluorescence spectrosopy using different excitation sources. Different, but fun! This has lead to difficulties in my choosing a chemistry focus area for graduate school, though I am sure I will figure it out as I get more experience.
 
I graduate May 2008, and will be applying to UGA’s chemistry graduate program, so I’ll definitely keep in touch with yourself and others here.
 
Thanks again!
 
Savannah Johnson
Piedmont College

—————————————————————————————————————-

Savannah…

       For what it is worth, I am a graduate of Pitt’s Ph.D.
program.  In one week I will be driving down Forbes Avenue and with
any luck I’ll have some Iron City and some perogies later that night.
I sure do miss the Dirty O and the Original Oyster House.  I used to
be able to tell what kind of weather day it was going to be by
looking at the Cathedral of Learning at dawn.

       Seems to me that between Lou and Jeff you’ve been lucky.
Look forward to meeting you…

       George
 

————————————————————————————————————————-

George,

Pittsburgh is quite charming, and I do miss parts of it. I am lucky in many ways.

See you later,

Savannah Johnson
Piedmont College

Clemson University? Maybe.

Clemson went well. I met at least four professors whose work I am interested in, which is a good sign. They paid for the whole trip and also waived all fees associated with applying–also a good sign. I plan on applying over the summer. I think I made a good impression to all of them by being on top of things and being interested in what they had to say even if it wasn’t really my area.

Hopefully, I will get into their program. I really liked their campus and the drive, although a little longer than the drive to Athens, was quite enjoyable. Their graduate students (with whom I had lunch) also seemed pretty happy with their department.

I had an exam in analytical yesterday and I know what I missed. But that’s alright. I’ve got to go study for my calculus exam tomorrow. Then begin again on biochem. It’s going to be a rough few weeks for everyone. This organic take-home test is going to be the death of me.

I am tired, but I’ll get there.

Jeremy and I are supposed to go to the dance Saturday. I’m really looking forward to it.

Is is sad that I spend what little spare time I have looking at all of the homeless pets on Petfinder.com and wishing I had some place to keep them all?

More later.