One-Third Time Analysis

I’ve finally realised why I’m not moving as fast as I wanted or expected to be. The reason is actually very simple. I’m straddling both sides and two labs. I need to do not only the biological and technological analysis, but also the design and material fabrication as well. I have no experience in the latter, so it is expected that it’ll be a little slow. As for the former, most analyses or preparatory steps are time consuming. PCR takes more than 2 hours then running gel electrophoresis takes another 30 minutes.

Soap, lather, rinse and repeat.

What’s worse is that in straddling two labs, I have to split my time unequally between the two, and I need more time in both labs in order to accomplish anything. If only the labs were in the same building. That way I would be able to fabricate the device while running PCR or the gel, instead of what I’m doing now. Whenever I’m running PCR or gel, I will return to my seat and read some research articles (i.e. eventually fall asleep), surf the internet or sleep. This is really tiring. I’ve not found anything constructive to do while waiting. Back home, I wouldn’t give a damn, but here…

The world is full of haves and have-nots. I don't have to live a life of a begger here. In fact, since the apartment's rent is being paid for, I can actually live a rather comfortable life here. I did my accounts and eating out, watching movies are not going to break my bank account at all. In fact, I'll still have sufficient left for a 15-percent saving each month. However, there is no need to be too extravagant, is there? Especially after you see the differences in financial burdens of the exchange students here.

The ones from cities or developed countries are rather well-off and are willing to spend. Those from the less developed countries or towns need to be a little more thrifty because of the high standard of living here and correspondingly the high expenses. That's why I was so touched when Jana gave me the box of goodies even though she has to be careful of how she spends her money here. And that's why I was so disgusted when I heard a Kenyan speaking as though the poor deserved to be poor and he had no moral obligation to help them at all. While I understand that in order to get good medical attention and a good education in Kenya, one has to go to the private institutions. And that means money. But to say that and to add 'That's why the people who cannot afford these things cannot advance and they remain poor. That's just too bad.' This reeks of elitism. Yes, his father can afford to give him a good education and a good life. That's why he's here working on his Masters, but to belittle those who cannot afford the luxuries he has? To ignore their needs? Come on. He has such a good life not because he deserves it, but because of his father. Shouldn't he think of his fellow countrymen who cannot afford a good education or proper medical attention?

Education is key to breaking out of the poverty cycle. That's why my friends and I are sponsoring a child each from Cambodia, giving a little each month to help pay for his family's needs and to pay for his elementary education. One person can only do so much. But if it means helping just one other person out of the poverty trap, its already a step in the right direction. I'm sure everyone has heard of the starfish story. It's true. So long as it makes a difference to one person, it's already an achivement.

If you want to do your part, visit any World Vision website. For Little-Red-Dottians, visit http://www.worldvision.org.sg/. A little child out there needs your help.

Ah... My one-third time analysis has turned into a social project. Oh well...