"Since very young age I was fascinated by nature and always wanted to figure out why things work one way and not the other. Luckily, I found science to be the best profession that allows my curiosity and passion to thrive and be useful for the society.
A bit more than a year ago I became a mother, and this new role has changed every aspect of my life. I love being a mom and see how my son grows and discovers new things every day - it reminds me how to ask unexpected questions and find a different perspective. However, it is extremely challenging to keep up with good work and be full-time mom in a foreign country without any family support.
Female scientists are a rare kind, and they face difficult choices every day by juggling family, work, and hopefully some self-care time. Unfortunately, one has to sacrifice one or another, because it is simply not possible to do it all. I wish there was more support and opportunities for working moms including child-minding services with longer working hours and meet-and-talk support groups for mental health and self-care.
P.S.: Special shout-out to all science moms out there: You are AMAZING!