This internship was like a dream for me. The email saying that I was accepted came so unexpected. I started my junior year as one big adventure and somewhere along that road my genetics professor approached me and told me there was an internship opportunity I should think about. After hesitating for a while, I applied and was so nervous that eventually I forgot about it. That's why the email of acceptance came by surprise. I was so excited and happy, and couldn't believe I was going to Japan until I was actually on the plane.

I joined Agricultural genetics lab for about two months, and I must say it was absolutely amazing. First few days I was completely overwhelmed by everything in the lab. In my country we don't get this kind of opportunities very often, so I was over the Moon the moment I stepped into the lab. My lab members were always so nice to me, and always ready to help me and teach me. They were also very friendly and helped me plan my weekend activities so that I would get to know Japan better. I truly enjoyed the time spent in the lab and I'm so grateful to have gotten the chance to work here.

One of the most stressful things for me was the final presentation. I had a lot of work for my project that I wasn't sure I would be able to finish and I felt nervous talking in front of all these amazing scientists. Once again, my lab mates were more than helpful. We had a mock presentation, and they gave me many advice and suggestions, after which I felt better stepping out to give a presentation, and it went very well.

And my fellow interns...I met some very bright people there, made new friends and I hope to cross ways with them again.

I also got some time to travel and go sightseeing. There are places in Kyoto I fell in love with. I still think I didn't have enough time to get to really know Japan, so I hope I'll get a chance to visit it again.

Overall, it was one great experience, an extraordinary adventure, and a good look into what my future career could be like. I'm sad it came to an end, but I'm also happy I was given the opportunity to be one of the NIG interns.