Goals
LHSI Internship Goals
Goal 1: Organize information/data to create and contribute to projects
The internship site was awarded two grants to conduct its research studies. Given my role as the team's research intern, I will be tasked with assisting with data collection and analysis for these two studies: the Periviable Getting Optimal Alignment around Life Support (GOALS) pilot clinical trial and the Making A Difference (MAD) Periviable Ethical Considerations study. You can read more about these studies under My Internship. I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as a research assistant. I started by organizing data, such as learning how to use REDCap, which is a secure and encrypted data management and storage site. I also got to listen to recorded subject interviews and to my surprise, got to conduct several of these in-depth, structured interviews myself! As a pre-med student, I am used to the quantitative side of science through my biology and chemistry courses, so being a part of the research team that primarily conducts qualitative research is a tremendous challenge. In the rest of the semester, I hope I can learn qualitative coding to broaden my analytic skills.
As I reflect on this goal as a senior, I've been involved in two more research studies with the team since my LHSI internship, HEAL-R and Trailblazer. I've seen all sides of research now! Recruitment, data collection, and writing a manuscript. It's been a great experience of organizing research for these research projects.
Goal 2: Discuss ideas/concerns effectively and professionally
Every Monday, we meet as a research team to discuss updates with the MAD study. As an intern, I am now a part of this team and therefore, I get to contribute to the conversations and continuously brainstorm ways to make the data collection and organizational process more efficient. The Monday meetings usually focus on MAD, so I get to think of ways to help whenever challenges arise. I am also appreciative of this team because my ideas are wanted. Whether it's GOALS or MAD, it feels amazing to contribute.
Goal 3: Create a relationship with supervisor and other team members (network!)
Currently, large-scale networking is difficult since the research team is small, but I can still network with the present members and their collaborators! It's great getting to know Mrs. Hoffman and meeting people throughout the office, so I am looking forward to seeing more people when the team grows.
Career Goals
Medical School - OB/GYN
I choose my career and academic goals based on my passion and drive to accomplish something. I also establish these goals on how they make me feel, which is exciting! Luckily these feelings as reasonings also tie into my abilities to learn and adapt in school to make sure that I understand the material.
My career goal of being an OB/GYN can be academically achieved by going to medical school after completing my undergraduate degree. Each day, week, semester, and school year allows me to become more sure of this academic plan because the medical school will be tough. My course load tests my perseverance skills, and it will only get more demanding in the future. However, by remembering how my goals make me feel, I will get through each semester and year to accomplish them.
Luckily, this internship helps me know if my career goal is correct. I strive to be an OB/GYN, and by working under Dr. Tucker Edmonds, I learn about the field. Not only that, I'm learning and experiencing the not-so-happy days that OB/GYN and their patients face if the patient is at risk of very premature delivery.
My goals can be further explored at IUPUI by examining more interests via volunteering and internships. IUPUI is full of opportunities to connect with people, and I am sure there are more research and learning opportunities out there for me.
How to achieve this goal?
1. Asking for help when needed
Right now, I'm reaching that part of my Biology degree where classes are getting super tricky. (Shoutout to Physics!) However, my goal is to always keep in mind that there are resources all over that exist to help me reach my goals and to help me learn.
2. Blocking out time to study for the MCAT
I met with a PREPs advisor. They said if I wanted to go to medical school after graduating, I should begin studying my junior year. So, I've started gathering the resources; I need to take the time to prepare for the exam next semester.
3. GRIND, GRIND, GRIND
I will need to persevere and be more determined than ever next year to balance my school, personal, and work lives. This would be the perfect time to set up SMART goals and stay tuned to my mental health.
4. Love medical school!
By following all of these steps, I should reach my career goal of medical school. Wherever that school is, I hope it is full of learning opportunities and gives me the chance to grow even more as a person as I have at IUPUI.
Growth
THEN VS NOW
In Spring 2021, I applied for this program and hoped hard for the opportunity to be an intern at a site. Now that I am in Fall 2022, it's still interesting to see how my mindset can remain the same. I am proud to develop realistic goals as a freshman and still stick to them. I still am incredibly passionate about becoming an OB/GYN, and to do that; I must go to med school. I still seek advice from current medical students. Thanks to my wonderful supervisor, I even have the books to begin studying for the MCAT beginning this summer!
A difference that I want to add is a change in my perspective about my career. Last spring, in my application, I spoke about being conflicted about being an OB/GYN or doing research because of my interests. However, by working under Dr. Tucker-Edmonds, I realize it is possible to do BOTH. It is entirely possible to be an OB/GYN who is also conducting her research, which relieves a lot of worries.
On a personal note, I am grateful to say that my growth in the past year has made me proud. From moving into my apartment to finally pushing myself to show up for myself and prioritize my health and well-being, I appreciate that my goals are being accomplished. I do not think I ever imagined myself consistently going to the gym and learning to cook while balancing so many responsibilities, but I am. Better yet, I love it!
Thankfully, I was accepted into Indiana University School of Medicine CTSI (Clinical and Transitional Sciences Institute) as an intern in their MPESC (Medical, Physicians, Engineers, Scientists and Clinicians Prepatory Program) program for two summers under Dr. Tucker-Edmonds. Click the button below to read about that experience.
I am so conflicted about graduation! It exciting to move on from undergrad, but I am incredibly sad at the thought of leaving IUPUI and all the support from my communities. It's a strange thought that I won't be returning in the Fall, but it's a great sign that I loved my experience if I'm sad to go. The difference between Freshman Me and About-To-Graduate-Me is like night and day. I am a confident leader and can explore clinical work. I went from having only high school experience to three years of clinical research experience and various community involvements. I don't know what type of person I'd be if I didn't stay at IUPUI and I am grateful that I was blessed to experience such growth.
All the photos on this page were embedded from Google Images through Google Sites.