First Steps Far-off

In the last two months, I got a better understanding of the term “Ecological and Environmental Sciences” and science in particular. To be honest, the experience of writing scientific papers has noticeably changed my way of expression. To illustrate, now, more than ever, I keep away from generalizing (using words such as never, always, every, etc.) and sentimental expressions. As a result, I am often deterred from reading newspaper articles due to their headlines, which seem almost tabloid to me.

Scientific research usually follows these fundamental steps: Observation, answering a question, stating hypotheses, prediction of the results, and the experiment, which sometimes answers our question. This approach is general, and you can apply it to various types of research. From my viewpoint, it is then the lecturer who provides us with needful inspiration and encouragement to ask. Eventually, our question can be the subject of our next study.

So far, we have done nearly all of our studying online. I dare say that having first-hand experience in examining fruit flies for mutations would be slightly more interesting than watching results in videos, nevertheless, we have to wait for it.  In the nearest future, we will keep discussing our experiments within small groups right from our bedrooms, and instead of applause at the end of a great lecture, our professors will receive emoji.

Although, online learning compared to on-campus learning should be theoretically faster, many students agreed with me that it feels even more time-consuming. Therefore, I try to spend my free time as much as possible away from my computer. As for walking sites and working in delivery, I could hardly choose a more ideal city. Edinburgh is interesting in both aspects – geological and modern history. The city centre is dominated by extinct volcanoes, one of which is the base of a national jewel – Edinburgh Castle, which despite most attacks in the UK was never defeated. The only access to the top is the Royal Mile, which extends on a ridge formed by a glacier. Now, imagine all the buildings, which accompanied the history of the castle through centuries. I am speechless and touched by my own words.

I think we should always have something to look forward to. No matter how I expressed myself about online learning, I can’t wait to study on campus. In the short future, I look forward to Christmas with my family, Czech bakery, and vacation mood. Tomorrow, my friends, I will let the outside world inspire me for at least an hour, and tonight, I will make myself a tea with a handful of raisins (just thought that up, I have no idea, how it tastes).

Thanks for reading, have a successful day, and take care!