#i hope i was thorough and not just yapping...pls let me know if i need to elaborate on anything🧍🏽‍♀️lmaooo

[maiteo]

Hey maia I know you are a computer girl so I need some advice (sorry for the vent in advance). I have a degree in biology and I'm very interested in neuroscience and behavior, cognition etc etc.Somehow, I wanna to combine bioinformatics with it, so basically computational neuroscience. The thing is that I feel like my brain can't work that way, like I understand all the basic tools and the languages etc but generally I feel like I cannot actually think beyond in the field. It's still early for me I'm still doing my master's but do you have any advice?I won't go as far as to say that I sometimes feel inadequate/stupid in the bioinformatics area but yk...Also maybe it's my teacher, he's great and all but he tells me my answers are "philosophical" what does that even mean dude 🫠 Anyway thanks ilysm ❤️

Hello meu amor!!🫶🏽 First of all congratulations!! What you have achieved already is amazing and having the aspirations to add to it is incredible. I hope you have taken the time to celebrate yourself and your achievements❤️ I am happy you messaged me, no need to apologize about venting...the stem fields are an absolute trip, and I understand how you feel. I am about to ramble now...especially since I have moments where I feel the exact same way. 

Firstly, the doubt is so normal, especially given the makeup of the fields and how male dominated it is. I know from personal experience I used to find myself second guessing my work, my capabilities, and just my overall presence whether it be in my classes, work, events, etc...🫠 It takes time to adjust and to be confident in taking up space (that you fully deserve to take up!!) and said insecurities are never a reflection of your intelligence and ambitions; it's always a nagging voice that I’ve learned goes away as you build yourself up. 

Academically speaking, this is genuinely such an interesting field of study! (wild how I recently met someone on the same path!) I know how overwhelming and intimidating the initial approach to any type of programming language can be, given how vast it is and given how some people act as if it's a piece of cake that can be learned instantly (so very false!) It takes time to build up confidence, but it is NOT impossible and can be enjoyable. An approach that worked for me was to just excite myself over little things so the program would not get the best of me😭 sounds silly but it works and eases your mind. 

Not sure which language you will be focusing on specifically (I’m aware of Python & MATLAB being in focus for neuroscience) but this is applicable to all languages: Be patient with the process. Expect mistakes initially and take lessons from each of them. Do not be afraid to utilize every single source at your disposal, whether its tutoring, working with other classmates or finding a mentor. I promise you the people who specialize in this stuff loveeee being able to help you understand it as best they can, to help you succeed. I have struggled with asking for help at times too (especially when I first started python) but after doing it just one time, it became easier to do so. Don’t be afraid to just jump right into a program to get a feel for how it is. You mentioned you have a bit of time before you dedicate your time to it...use that time to find a virtual program tailored to your studies or just an introduction to whichever program you need. This will give you a sense of what to expect with the language and help diminish intimidation a bit. Also, these can all be found online for free!! Do not pay for anything crazy. I’m not sure what kind of learner you are but take notes that help you keep track of what you’ve learned and what you understand. A lot of these virtual learning sites are very visual heavy and to me, that helps a lot. 

I’m rambling now I'm so sorry lol but the “philosophical” comment...I'm yelling! I cannot tell you how many comments of similar nature I have gotten from tech teachers specifically. While I don’t believe they have malicious intent, I know how it plays on the mind and how it affects literally everything. Honestly, a lot of the times, some of them* do not have the same experience communicating on a deeper level...you know devoid of tech talk?💀 Whenever they're introduced to concepts that involve human emotions or connections they are just like...oh! hm..?🤨 Don’t let it affect you at all loml!! You're on track to do even more beautiful things! Proud of you, wishing you the absolute best and rooting for you always!!🫂🫶🏽

ps. heres a link that may be a bit helpful🫡