I want to take this opportunity to say happy birthday to my office-mate, Graham!Anyone who has talked to me much over the past few months has probably heard a lot of "Graham said this" and "Graham did this" and "Graham thinks I should do this." People may have been thinking to themselves... 'Who is this Graham character? And what makes him so special? Is he some type of guru?' Well, actually, now that you mention it, he might just be...
In effort to answer this intriguing question, I did the only logical thing: I 'googled' guru. In doing so, I discovered the following description:
The term guru refers to a teacher in the religious or spiritual sense. The guru is seen in these religions as a sacred conduit for wisdom and guidance. In many branches of the for-mentioned religions, the importance of finding a true guru is given as a prerequisite for attaining self realization (Wikipedia, 2008).
Upon finding this, I got really excited. Wisdom and guidance?! Yes, he gives that! Self-realization? Yes, I need that! Was Graham sent to me to be my spiritual guide through my first year of graduate school?......
Well, although Graham has not taught me a great deal about religion in a traditional sense (excluding a few sporadic conversations about religion and science), based on the above definition, he clearly is my guru in other ways. In such a small amount of time, I have already learned so much from him. Be it a stellar explanation of multiple linear regression I am seeking, a personal or school-related dilemma that needs solving, or simply a lol cat that requires an explanation (click here for examples), Graham is always there to teach and guide me. He has helped me through numerous transitions and difficult times. Now that I think of it, even his ambiance is inherently calm, non-judgemental, and almost zen-like, making my new conceptualization of him even more fitting (r2 = .78; 78% of variance accounted for). With a varimax rotation, I might even get more accounted for but there isn't time for that right now (see, he's taught me a lot!).
I could go on, but I think I've made my point. I honestly can't picture what my first year of grad school would have been like if Graham wasn't around. And I'm exceedingly thankful I'll never have to.
1 comment:
Wow, I've never been written about in a blog before! I feel a little like a celebrity :) In all seriousness, it's difficult for me to imagine sharing an office, and consequently spending my days, with anyone else.
Graduate school, and all of the life transitions that accompany it, can be stressful. There is always a temptation to take the path of least resistance, and be guided by the expectations of those around you rather than making difficult decisions for yourself. Somehow, despite all of the "challenges" that you have encountered, you have never ceded responsibility for your actions. You have strong values and you make decisions based on those values, even when it means risking greater personal hardship. If I have been a source of support to you as you have made those difficult decisions, then I am honored to have had that privilege. I would like to believe that I haven't taught you anything that you wouldn't have learned on your own...
except that stats stuff, that was all me :)
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