Goal 1: Expand my network with 10 new people.
Why? To have future connections for references and tips.
How? Go to lunch or event with each professional, connect with each professional on LinkedIn, and collaborate on projects/join work meetings.

Reflection: I created this goal to overcome my timidity, especially with working with people who are older and more experienced than me. I do not believe I tackled the root of my goal, even though I did expand my network throughout my internship. The internship site has cubicles, which allowed me to stay in my comfort zone quite a bit. When I came to the office, I prioritized completing my task, instead of meeting my coworkers. I predominately expanded my network at events outside of my internship. Many of them recommended volunteer opportunities, jobs, and professional events to attend. Ultimately, I believe the path I took was beneficial for me. When looking for my next position, I am prioritizing environments that encourage me to speak with those older than me frequently.

Goal 2: Improve public/professional speaking skills.
Why? To sound professional and approachable.
How? Present at meetings, become a trainer for Stop the Bleed, and sit in meetings to mimic what I see.

Reflection: I presented my showcase project to my coworkers as well as my coworkers in preparation. I have found it easier to present when I am knowledgeable on my topic. My showcase is 'my baby', and I know far too many things to include in the final presentation. I enjoy working on these kinds of videos, especially researching and editing them. I may continue making informative videos on my YouTube channel: Avi's World. Furthermore, I knew my public speaking skills needed work when I came in, but now I see how necessary they are for a public health professional. A major part of the career is to be able to effectively communicate to professionals and laymen about public health issues. Anything from company meetings to interviewing on the news requires a level of eloquence that I aspire to obtain. 

Goal 3: Learn how to access public health needs in a community.
Why? To learn the basics of my future career.
How? Read public health reports, participate in the Public Health Volunteer Corps, and take a Public Health course from the University of Michigan.

Reflection: Throughout my internship, I have read many books on public health, and taken the steps above. I do not feel fulfilled in this goal, yet. I have decided to get a minor in epidemiology so I can dedicate more time to learning about public health. The classes I will take will cover the basics of epidemiology and cover specific topics of interest like STIs and Zombies.

Goal 1: Attain a job at a Public Health Department with a tuition reimbursement program.
Why? To move up in my field at a lower cost.
How? Research what Public Health departments in the Midwest have tuition reimbursement. 

Confirmed or Changed? My time at this internship has confirmed my love for public health. I am more solid than ever in my plan to work in this field. I have briefly researched schools in my home-state of IL to assure I am on the right track to graduate. I will finalize my top Master's program the summer after my internship.

Goal 2: Get a Master's in Public Health.
Why? To learn more about Public Health, and expand job prospects.
How? Raise my GPA, research Master's programs near Public Health Departments with tuition reimbursement programs, and research Masters program requirements.  

Confirmed or changed? My plans have been reinforced, yet changed since the first day of my internship. I planned to get a BS in Chemistry before pursuing public health. However, my BS biochemistry program was planned for the version of me who intended to become a pharmacist. I no longer see the purpose of staying with that plan. I enrolled in the BA chemistry program with a minor in epidemiology. I love both subjects very much and I am happy I was able to accommodate them both. 

I am trying to speak up in situations I would typically avoid or observe. I have gone to lunch with my supervisor and coworkers on several occasions. I also set up a meeting with the graduate school recruiter to talk about my current standing to get a master's in Public Health. I thrive in situations where I am knowledgeable on the topic, and I feel my opinion is valued. For me to network, I need to put myself out there to say hello first. The times I have pushed myself out of my shell often led to making new friends or being offered new opportunities.

For example, I met an upperclassman in a study lounge and they struck up a short conversation. A few weeks later, I noticed I had seen them there many times since, so I introduced myself officially. For a few months, we had many small chats between classes. They invited me to a dinner party, where I met many people with similar interests as us, including a girl who doesn't attend our campus, but I bonded with her intensely. At the end of that semester, I saw the same girl at an event I was shyly lingering at. She introduced me to her friends, some of whom I have classes with this semester. The domino effect of introducing myself to one person may continue in ways I cannot currently foresee. I can say with a degree of confidence, that the more I introduce myself, the more likely I will trigger a domino effect. 

I model good behaviors to my peers. I am known for my discipline and focus on my academics. People come to me for advice on their schedules and appreciate my ability to find the good in where they are instead of only focusing on how they can improve. I try to live by the idea that I will be 30 one day. I can be 30 with the degree I want, even if it takes me an extra year or two to get it. I can be 30 and realize I hate the path I am on and have to restart. That philosophy drives me to do what will enrich my life. It also inspires me to help my peers reach the path they desire as well. As I get older, I am starting to be able to advise the freshman on university life and younger students on navigating middle and high school. Hopefully,  in the future, I will be able to take on an official mentoring role.

I was a part of many volunteering organizations in high school when I barely had homework. I spent most of my time as a club president or volunteering for the National Honors Society. Once I came to college, my volunteering lessened as school and work took over. Once I get transportation, I want to continue my work with the Public Health Volunteer Corps, at vaccine clinics. I was accepted into the Women In STEM House, a housing scholarship that has a lot of service opportunities. I have positioned myself in a space where I can, hopefully, volunteer more often. Though volunteering will likely be connected to resume builders, the major reason I want to include it in my life is to do more with my life other than school and work. At the end of the day, volunteering is above myself, it is for my community. 

I want to build my teamwork skills, but most of the projects I have done have been solitary. I hope to attend more events with the Public Health Volunteer Corps to get more relevant experience while supporting my community. I have been a part of many partnered lab classes, so I have gotten a handle on divvying up assignments. I will be working in a science education lab, where my teambuilding can be improved. Details to come in the fall. 

Working with people older than me helped me overcome my fear of talking to adults. I have found it a lot easier to ask for feedback from my professors this semester. My grades have improved because I am no longer afraid to ask questions in class or email my professors for clarification on assignments. I have had a lot of meetings with faulty old and new to ask them questions on their work at IUPUI. I have also transitioned to taking more public health classes because this internship peaked my interest in the subject. 

I have strengthened my independence when working on my portfolio and showcase project. It is the only project I have set up completely on my own. My supervisor has reviewed my progress, but I am proud of my self-sufficiency on this assignment.

My time management skills have carried over to this internship. Scheduling my work like a class allows me to understand how to prioritize it among my other obligations. I have done well completing assignments promptly and having a consistent work schedule. I also am starting to see how to schedule my classes on this campus, so I can leave enough time for a job, volunteering, and socializing while being a full-time student. 

I would like to continue to build my communication skills. I am confident in my one-to-one communication, however, I would like to improve my ability to speak in group settings. I have been in the practice of taking a breath to collect my thoughts before I speak, so I can collect my thoughts. When presenting my showcase project, I found my shyness has faded to a degree but is still more prominent than desired. I think my biggest issue is older people asking me questions when I am not expecting it. The best way I have found to combat this is being extremely knowledgeable about the question they ask, but I am unsure what to do when I don't have the answer.