Editor’s Note:
In this heartfelt article, Ms. Xitong Fu shares her reflections on her one-year time as a research assistant with our GEM Team. Her words capture the gratitude and appreciation she has for her supportive colleagues. We hope readers find inspiration in Xitong's experiences and join us in wishing her the best in her future endeavors.
Looking back to July 2023, I am truly honored to have joined the GEM Programme at the State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (SKLMP). Throughout my time here as a research assistant, my primary focus has been on the pre-treatment of global water samples in Phase One. As my contract comes to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on my experience and express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.
If I have achieved anything noteworthy over the past year, it is due to the unwavering support of my colleagues and leaders. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Chong Chen and Prof. Kenneth Mei Yee Leung for providing me with the guidance and trust that allowed me to quickly assume my responsibilities and work independently. Moreover, beyond our lab duties, I have cherished the precious moments shared with our incredible team.
One memorable occasion was our group hiking event for SKLMP (Figure 1), which not only brought us closer together but also fostered stronger connections among us. It was during this event that I had the privilege of conversing with Prof. Leung, whose passion and vision for marine pollution and protection left a lasting impression on me.
Figure 1 Group hiking event for SKLMP
Furthermore, attending international conferences has been a source of inspiration, as I have had the privilege of listening to conversations among numerous outstanding scientists. GEM has provided an exceptional platform for diverse collaborations with an international atmosphere, and I am particularly grateful for the friendship of my international colleagues, Ms. Demilade T. Adedipe and Mr. Jefferson Escobar Yamashiro.
As this chapter draws to a close, my priority is to finalize a publication alongside my exceptional colleagues here, and I am thrilled that I will continue working with these brilliant scientists for some time. Wherever my next steps lead me, I intend to carry forward the spirit I have cultivated here: Remaining positive and professional in the face of a changing environment.
Lastly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues in the GEM Team for their unwavering support day after day, including Ms. Chengcheng Bu, Mr. Ming Liu, and Mr. Yutong Zhang (Figure 2). Even Tang, our part-time research assistant who is not present in the picture, has also provided me with immense support.
Figure 2 GEM Group Meeting (From left to right: Mr. Yutong Zhang, Dr. Chong Chen, Ms. Xitong Fu, Ms. Chengcheng Bu, and Mr. Ming Liu)
I wish each and every one of you a bright and prosperous future!
P.S. Please feel free to connect with me on XITONG FU | LinkedIn to stay in touch.
Yours sincerely,
Xitong Fu
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