I still can’t believe that I was one of NIGINTERNs this summer as the internship was beyond my wildest dream. Many amazing people I’ve met during the program cultivated in me a great love for research and taught me to become a better person outside the lab, for which I’m really grateful.

I still remembered the warm welcome from Saito-sensei, my supervisor throughout the internship, and other lab members on my first day of arrival. I didn’t remember the exact moment I fell in love with this place. Perhaps, it was during many constructive, supportive discussions, and end-of-the-day check-in with Shimamoto’s sensei whom I can’t show enough of gratitude for having me in the lab this summer. Perhaps, it was when Tanaka-san set up a very complex yet beautiful fluorescence experiment at 7 PM just to show me about his research. It also took place during daily lunch talks with Saito-sensei, experiment’s waiting time, and encouraging emails. Every day was an eye-opening experience for me as I was allowed to explore my greatest curiosity with trusts and supports which are always available in the lab.

Outside of the lab, I had marvelous experiences with other interns and Ph.D. students at NIG. We traveled together every weekend and had an intimate talk every night at the guest house. I can’t count how many cities in Japan we walked through, but I know we love every of them. They are great friends. The guest house feels just like home, and I wish we could have stayed for a longer time. But I guess it was the end - the end of the internship but the commencement for a great journey we have ahead. My sincerest thanks to the NIGINTERN program coordinators, NIG staff, and Shimamoto lab for making this an incredible summer!