First of all, I must say that I am rather happy that I am attending the Université du Québec à Montreal(University of Quebec-Montreal(UQAM)). This is one of the most difficult challenges that I've ever undertaken because it is a french university. I know that this is a tough challenge that I have taken, but I know that once completed, I'll be that much more sure of myself, and my confidence level will be super high:) I will succeed with some effort and a lot of work!! I'll survive this onslaught of challenges and come out a winner in the end, j'en suis sur!!!
I have already have spent a full year at UQAM and I've met a lot of people who are super cool and nice. They have all helped me arcross the french and the study perios of difficulty. I have successfully done my homework, and report on a project for the government as well as, and the most important, I did a presentation, IN FRENCH!!!! I am happy for that for two reasons. One, I successfully did my second ever presenation, and I did it ALL in FRENCH!!!
On to my project!!
A year ago, I hopped on board the university train with a project and financing on my back pocket! I was studying mine tailings. In the beginning, I was studying the microbial flora which was inhabited a wood waste layer used to cover the mine tailings, and would help prevent the creation of sulfuric acid and the release of heavy metals into the environment.
My first project was based on the idea that a combination of certain types of bacteria and a variety of sulfur products. Once this happens, the creation of sulfuric acid takes place as a waste product, as well as the release of heavy metals into the environment. This is also known as Acid Mine Drainage(AMD). To have a better look and understanding, take a look at the web page of CHRIS MILLS, an engineer working in this area. He talks about the cause and effects of AMD. Another good page is SCRIP.
For the reality of the project, I will have to say that, for awhile, while the study was going along rather well, I must thank whole heartedly the Ministry of Natural Resources in Québec for the axing of the funding of my project. If it wasn't for them, I'd be working on my project, but after a long strung out process, they up and pull my project from the list of ones to be done. They aren't on my best friend list...
Well, good news came my way a couple of days ago, when a former student of my director called her up and said that he had a project to do, and needed students. I was able to hop on board!
It is the city of Rosemère where the project is taking place.
As you can see, my task ahead of my is no small one. I really have my work cut out for myself! But, but the time I've finished this trip of mine through the trials and tribulations of doing a masters degree, I'll have finished a degree worthy of my work, as well as done all of this in french! The work will be done in french, but if I end up writing a thesis, it's already been approved to write this in english (thank goodness. I can get by pretty well in french, by my writing needs some improvement!!). Hopefully, with all that I have envisioned for myself in the coming months, I hope this will bring to a point where I can find myself a career at the other end of the rainbow!!