Embracing the Spectrum of Emotions: A Journey Through the Power of Good News

Picture this a 38-year-old researcher, standing at the crossroads of emotions as good news arrives. Let me take you on a journey through those unforgettable moments when the universe decided to bestow upon me the gift of good news. 

It was a chilly December morning when my phone rang. Little did I know that the call would mark a turning point in my career. As I picked up the phone, a voice on the other end said the words that seemed almost surreal. I had won the L'Oréal Award. For a moment, I wondered if it was all an elaborate prank. But then, to confirm the authenticity of the call, I asked the person to mention the name of my project – a detail only I knew. As the words rolled off their tongue, the reality sank in. I had indeed won the L'Oréal Award. It was a moment of pure joy, like unwrapping an earlier Christmas gift that would forever hold a special place in my heart. That phone call became an unforgettable memory, imprinted in the tapestry of my life as one of the happiest moments I had ever experienced.

 

Another instance comes to mind - a time when the world was dealing with the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdown had confined us to our homes, filling the days with uncertainty and anxiety. It was during this period that I received another call, one that brought a ray of sunshine into the darkness. It was the announcement of winning the LPCC research funding. The news arrived later than expected due to the unprecedented circumstances we found ourselves in. The delays had sown seeds of doubt in my mind. But as the call came through, the weight of uncertainty lifted, replaced by happiness. The celebrations that followed were simple yet profound - a cozy evening at home, relishing the delights of an Uber Eats sushi dinner. In that moment, I realized the power of good news, how it can uplift our spirits and infuse hope into our lives, even amidst the most challenging times.

 

And then, there it was - the Fulbright email in my inbox. While a phone call would have imparted a more personal touch, the total number of awardees demanded an email. I clicked open the message, and there it was - the confirmation that I had been selected. However, amidst the happiness, a bit of sadness remained. The realization hit me - I was going to be away from my precious world. Thoughts of my beloved family, my dear friends, my cozy home, and the warmth of my bunny and dog flooded my mind. Grief had recently visited our home, as my old bunny had passed away just a couple of weeks after the news.

 

In those initial days after the announcement, everything seemed surreal. And then, a Zoom meeting brought together all the Fulbright awardees, connecting us through our shared excitement. In that virtual gathering, we glimpsed the mosaic of brilliance and ambition that would define our journey together.

 

In those moments, I understood the true depth of the human experience - the capacity to hold multiple emotions simultaneously, to be both happy and sad, excited, and nostalgic. It was a reminder that growth and progress often come hand in hand with the recognition of what we leave behind.