I had in mind writing a very happy and cheerful post based on the last few trips and successes in the research. However, as I read the previous post to feel the vibe of the blog, I realized that the last few are related to “the last blog post.” It took me a while to accept that the end has become more real than ever. I have never been good at goodbyes; somehow, it always feels like I didn’t say enough, while at the same time, I said too much and couldn’t enjoy the last words and silence. So, I’ve decided to start with that and deal with the regret later.
Thanks to everyone in SPEAR, every speaker, every training organizer, and every person I met during the secondments. Thanks to the PIs, thanks to Ingrid and Annika, thanks to Ismael and the group in Halle, and thanks to every ESR; I will always remember you and miss you all!! And to the one who made the project work, Eli, thank you very much!
Now that the PhD time is coming to an end, more and more goodbyes are coming. Either because some people already left or because I might be going somewhere else. Before Christmas, I had what could be “the last group photo” with the first group of friends I made during the PhD. It was mixed with joy from seeing them and sadness since we might not be together anymore. Time definitely runs faster when you have fun!. Luckily, we immortalized the moment with an instant photo for each one so that we were together even with countries in between.
One thing I know for sure is that it has been a crazy ride. Whenever I start telling the stories I got from the PhD, it always feels impossible or made up. Stories of conferences in crazy places, of the knee surgery, of the parties, of going from a struggle to the celebrations, it does not make sense that everything happened in 3 years. How is it possible to have so much fun, meet so many amazing people, and experience so much of the world in just three years? Three!! This must be some kind of magic.
Anyhow, we have at least one more goodbye, and for once, I am really looking forward to meeting again in San Sebastian!. Prost to SPEAR, Halle, and all of you.
