In the year and a half since I graduated from Messiah College and m oved to Harvard University Medical School to start my career in research science, I have learned many things. These include understanding how to deal with long (12-hour) experiments, how to come back from a hard day in the lab to then cook meals, and manage a balanced life as responsible adult. But the most significant understanding I have gained during the time since my Messiah days has been the true benefit of my education at Messiah College .

My journey into science research started when I entered Messiah College as a freshman Biochemistry major. I was put through an intense series of Biology classes, which laid the foundation needed for any young student who wants to pursue a career in biological science. We were not taught but rather shown how to learn, and challenged to discover and understand more than we ever thought was possible.

While taking a well-organized course curriculum for biology/biochemistry majors, I had an opportunity to meet Dr. Lawrence Mylin in one of my biology classes. It was the first time a professor had expected more of me than I felt capable of accomplishing, but I soon learned that such expectations were not unattainable. Throughout my four years, I was constantly amazed that professors like Dr. Mylin treated me less as a student of science and more as a budding scientist (see photo: Anuj, 3rd from right and Dr. Mylin, far right).

After joining Dr. Mylin's research work on the Simian Virus 40 T Antigen, I had the opportunity to work closely with him and learn techniques that are not only essential, but absolutely necessary to get a job in the professional research setting. His teaching helped me not only then, but continues to be valuable even now. In fact, my tissue culture skills were so highly valued that my former boss (a top Harvard scientist) invited me to return to tackle a problem he was encountering. I also remember that Dr. Mylin used to "hit" me with on-the-spot math calculations for which he expected an immediate solution. This practice not only helped me then but has made me strong in that aspect.

Upon reflection, I realize that the skills which have brought me success in my current role and will most certainly in my future roles are those that I have gained through my undergraduate research experience and classes at Messiah College . Organization, determination, persistence, the ability to focus, problem solving skills, an ability to analyze situations, the desire to strive for excellence, and personal confidence are attributes and values that I am often told are my assets. The training and knowledge I have gained at Messiah College will always remain instrumental in my future success. Thanks to Messiah for helping me attain the goals that God had for my life, and for molding me into a responsible, early-career Christian Scientist.