I feel like I've been here before

Strangely enough, I find myself right where I was about one year ago, leaving a lab that has given me so much, off to a different work/life experience. Back then, I didn't know what lay ahead. I was still struggling to find a job to fill my one-year gap between my undergraduate studies and medical school, and I somehow ended up staying at the same school, same department, but different lab. I was to be the Angela Douglas Lab's new Lab Manager/Technician.

I've learned so much from this one year position - it's really quite remarkable. Knowing that I've helped set up a lab from scratch feels really good. I feel like I've left my mark at Cornell within the Entomology department. Both in Jeff Scott's lab, and now in Angela Douglas's lab as well. I came to know the members of my lab as if they were members of my family. Caring maternal figures (Cheryl and Angela), a strong and encouraging father figure (Jeff), and ridiculously fun brothers and sisters (Frank, George, Melissa, Ronda, // Sophie, Rodrigo, Calum, Adam, Jean).

Yet for some reason, I felt different in the Douglas lab than in the Scott lab. I think part of it had to do with the fresh start I got. I had already established myself in the Scott lab, starting in 2005, but I hadn't figured out much of what I knew one year ago. And coming into a different group of people, I felt like I could start off being myself (not that I wasn't myself before) and seeing how that would take me. I found myself extremely happy and comfortable with everyone in the lab, which is a rare occasion from what I hear from other labs. I hold all lab members in the Douglas lab dear to me, and they are people I won't ever forget, even if it was a close interaction that lasted a year's time. It was still a great year.

I will not soon forget the random ice cream ventures, language miscommunications, and clever office hijinks that Sophie and I shared. She'll always be my 'special girl' ... at least when it is convenient for me and/or my safety. Please don't pass out in front of me again, I know my sexiness has that effect on people, but try to control yourself.

Nor will I soon forget the random situations that the ever-so-naive (but very friendly!) Adam got himself into, including the rescue mission where we went to get him out of his horrible living situation. Open your eyes to the world, buddy - don't forget to look around you first.

Rodrigo was always fun to talk to, despite the fact that he had a slight aversion to excitement now and then. Thank you for sharing more than a few awkward glances with me when Sophie was around ... oops! Mi compatriota, siempre. Gracias por todo, chero - hasta la proxima!

And Calum, who was with me in the Douglas Lab from day 1, is now more than just 'Frank's friend on the 6th floor' in my mind, but is now a good friend of mine (I'd like to think). The fact that our silly, dirty minds were often on the same wavelength made the workday so much more enjoyable. Glad we eventually got to hugging status :)

Jean goes last, because she only counts as half a person (but not really ^^). I'm glad I had someone in the lab to talk about musicals and silly undergraduate things. Stay out of trouble and watch your alcoholism! I'm sure you'll make a great vet someday :D

Thank you all for the wonderful opportunity to share some lab space, experimental woes, hiking trails, bitch sessions, and funny stories throughout this past year. I would be more than honored to someday be your doctor, but even more honored to be able to call you all my friends for many years to come. Thanks for everything, and best of luck in the future! I know you'll all be great! Please keep in touch!

With much love,

-Tomas, Lab Manager 1.0