...we were supposed to be having an interview, but really it seemed like...

As many of you know, I completed a B.Sc. in Integrative Biology before moving to Israel.  I had initially intended to being my graduate studies this past fall.  I was accepted to a program at the Technion, but after seriously considering it, I decided it wasn't for me.  I have been working and interning the past several months not only to make money and improve my Hebrew, but also to explore subjects for my graduate studies.

Yesterday, my exploration took me to Haifa.  I met with several professors at the Technion regarding their graduate.  The first was quite nice, but it turns out that her research isn't the best fit with my biology background.  Nevertheless, she sat with me, discussed various directions and programs with me, and suggested several other professors to contact.  I was impressed by her knowledge and thankful for her positive energy and guidance.

The second and final meeting of the day went a it better. I was meeting a professor in the biology department.  It was so Israeli when we were supposed to be having an interview, but really it seemed like I was sitting down to tea with an old friend.  When I walked in, the professor offered me tea and chocolate, and then we sat and chatted about aliyah, various government programs for new immigrants, and also some of his projects outside of his research.  We switched from Hebrew to English after the first ten minutes, but from there we just kept chatting.  Finally about twenty minutes into our meeting we began to talk about his research.  He showed me a PowerPoint, took me around the lab, and we openly chatted a bit more.  

I was initially intimidated to visit such a prestigious school, even if I was previously accepted, but both professors were extremely encouraging.  And while I'm still not sure I found the right program for me, I am thankful to have had the opportunity to get a peek into Technion life, research, and attitudes.

The view Haifa from a building of the Technion (Summer 2010)