The American Scientist

My boss told me I am not like Japanese students :-p
He said it is a good thing: that I am independent-minded, have a clear vision of what I want to do, and understand the most important scientific questions.
He said it is probably an American quality :-p

He then went on to talk about all the good ideas I have and my understanding of their goals. That he wants to talk more about the research. It was kind of like: I think we can learn a lot from each other.

I talk a lot in the US, even for the United States. I also talk a lot here. I have been secretly afraid that I am being toooo "American" and should just sit there and keep quiet, without question. I wanted to reassure him I am here to do it their way and learn from them because they are the experts. I was disappointed that they changed the course of action because I was almost done but I trust they know how to get the optimal and quickest result, in the end.

I love my lab here. My adviser, the assistant professors, the postdocs, and the students are all great. I do wish they spoke better English and/or I spoke better Japanese but I think this obstacle adds to my experience.

I am proud to have an independent mind. I am proud of my skills. I am proud to be an American ;-)