n August 2018, I had a tweet from a woman in New Zealand; she had read the profile the RSC wrote about me. It turns out that she had also overcome challenges in her life and then returned to education to study chemistry too. After that we began to talk, and talk and talk some more.
We described our relationship as "twitter pen pals" but we'd talk all the time, sometimes about chemistry, sometimes just girl talk. She was always there for me with a kind word or a reminder that I should believe in myself and my abilities as a chemist. She passed away on 30/01/19; we only got to share a few months of a friendship that I honestly believe could've lasted until we were both too old to pick up a flask. She touched my life and I miss her so much, I can't believe that I can't just pick up my phone and message her. There are so many plans that are left undone; I was going to go to visit her and we were going to go out to our favourite burger joint in Wellington, ride the cable car and crash out in the botanical gardens. She was going to stay up for my graduation and I was going to Skype her in my cap and gown. Thank you for making such a difference to my life Lilly. I love you xxxxx |
This profile pic of me, which is one of those rare instances where I take a selfie and genuinely like it btw, was originally taken for this. I was studying for my summer organic chemistry exam (oxymercuration, if you're interested!) and I was told my quote would be included in the prospectus, but they needed a picture. A picture‽ I was frazzled!! So I quickly did my hair and touched up my make up and ended up liking the first picture I took!! That NEVER happens!! (This image is taken from a digital copy of the 2018 Chemistry Prospectus, Copyright © The University of Manchester 2018)
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It was my privilege to take part in Story Collider (@storycollider) on 26/10/18 and tell the story of my life leading up to becoming a #womaninSTEM.
(BR L-R) Tori Blakeman @toriexplores, Dr Maria Augusta Arruda @guta1610, Nicola Edwards @nedwards_sci. (FR L-R) Dr Heather Williams @alrightPET, Dr Toria Stafford (our host) @ToriaStafford and Me |