“Left midpole solid nodule measuring up to 1.4 cm with suspicious features, TI-RADS 5. FNA recommended”.
This jargoning description was listed on my thyroid ultrasound report when I checked my physical exam result after the discussion for sustainable investment project on Monday. After googling, I am 90% sure that I have just been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Though most of the thyroid cancer are treatable and have excellent prognosis, it need immediate surgery and radioactive iodine surgery.
Suddenly, dozens of concerns with mixed feelings arose in my mind: how long will I be absent of my classes? How can I graduate on time while I undergo the treatment? Especially for my project-based classes, how should I manage the progress and temporarily shift more burden to my teammates? How should I catch up when I recover?
I talked to my teammates immediately and they were surprisingly caring and efficient at the same time. “Health always comes first” say my teammates, “and we will figure out our project step by step.” After calming down the emotion, we started a plan on handing over responsibility temporarily. On the good side, since all of us in the team has clear coverage, it become straightforward to freeze one part of the topic. However, all of the team members have their own specialty so barriers have been created for others to take over my part.
I am responsible for the financial indicators for gender bonds in our project. “Any sustainable bonds are bonds at the end.” Our client has made the point clear that both the gender and financial side of the project are important. After talking to the team, we decide to finish the framework design for the financial part while I complete the pre-surgery check-ups. I have clearly laid out the key indicators that needs to be paid attention to in each issuance country, including credit rating, fiscal balance, current account balance, debt-to-GDP ratio, inflation, international reserve position. While I am away, the team members can collect the data for all of the case study countries and I can take over again when I am fully recovered. In this case, we will be able to advance the project continuously while my team members treat the data collection as a new learning process.
I deeply appreciate all of my teammates and professors for their unlimited kindness during my treatment. Though I am still recovering from surgery, I believe I am able to start light work and aim for an on time graduation soon. During the process, not only did I learn how to make a smooth task transfer, but I also realize the power for emotional compassion and the meaning of a supportive community. I believe we are not only team member but also true friends who are willing to cover each other when needed.