Summer students

We have summer students in the group. Many of them, employed over the summer to help out with research. I'm supervising one, and it is clear that I learn a lot from the experience. I'm teaching him linux, C++ and our data analysis software -- quite a big bite. He will surely know a lot after this summer.

I wish I had been a summer student. I'm learning best with my hands on things, throwing myself head first into real work. My undergraduate experience would have been so much better if I had only had (or known about) any opportunity to do something like this. I guess I could have, many students at home seem to find their way to CERN and other places in some way. I just didn't even think that there was any possibility until I had graduated.

At least I'm here now, doing real experimental work occasionally involving nuts and bolts and wires as well. It's a wonder that I didn't drop out long before I got here, given the less than encouraging experiences I've had. I guess I'm just too stubborn to give up.

And at least I can do something for the summer students that actually get to be here. Some are still teenagers!