Current Goals
Enhance Laboratory Experience:
Complete training to gain practical, hands-on experience.
Observe supervisors diligently and absorb critical information.
Engage actively by asking questions about any aspect of the experiments or procedures.
Contribute to Mini Projects and Presentations:
Enhance imaging skills.
Gain a thorough understanding of mini-projects and their objectives.
Continue to ask questions to deepen knowledge and clarify uncertainties.
Post-LHSI Program Continuation:
Maintain contact with supervisors to nurture professional relationships.
Explore additional opportunities by researching and connecting with individuals who can facilitate these prospects.
Excel in this internship to secure strong recommendations for future endeavors.
March Update: I am delighted to report that my tenure at this laboratory has been immensely rewarding, both in terms of the extensive hours of hands-on laboratory experience gained and the opportunities I had to contribute to presentations. The privilege of working in this lab has been an incredible journey, and I am profoundly thankful for the wealth of knowledge and skills I have acquired. These lessons will undoubtedly prove invaluable as I advance in my career. Looking ahead, I am excited to announce that my professional path is steering me towards gaining clinical experience, which marks a new phase in my career development. The lab has been a place of growth, learning, and meaningful connections, and I will dearly miss the environment and the people who have made my experience so enriching. As I move forward, I carry with me not only the technical skills and scientific insights from my time here but also the collaborative spirit and the commitment to scientific inquiry that were hallmarks of this lab. I look forward to applying these principles and continuing to develop professionally in my upcoming clinical roles. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey at this lab; your influence will resonate with me in all my future endeavors.
My current academic/graduate goals is to finish my undergraduate path with a strong GPA. Getting involved in extracurriculars & strengthening my study skills is something I always aspire to do.
I've always been unsure of my professional career choice. There are multiple pathways that spark my interest, it's just difficult to narrow it down to just one. What I will do this year is shadow multiple career paths & try to narrow down my options. I also want to find out different strenghts/weaknesses of each one & see which one aligns with mine the most.
March Update: After careful consideration, I have focused my career aspirations on several specific paths, including medical school, physician assistant (PA) school, and anesthesiology assistant programs. To prepare for these opportunities, I am scheduled to take the MCAT next year. In conjunction with my exam preparation, I am committed to maintaining a high GPA to enhance the competitiveness of my applications. This strategic approach is designed to optimize my prospects for admission into these esteemed programs.
Reflections on Teamwork, Independent Work, and Communication Skills:
Throughout my tenure in this internship, I have always found strength in my ability to collaborate effectively with others, as teamwork has come naturally to me. Conversely, working independently presents both challenges and tranquility. A prime example of this is when I undertake simple, solitary tasks such as analyzing spy images of mouse tails, during which I often listen to music, enhancing the serenity and focus of the work.
Significantly, my communication skills have evolved considerably since the start of my internship. I have adopted a proactive approach of over-communicating, ensuring that my supervisors and colleagues are fully informed about ongoing developments. This strategy prevents misunderstandings and ensures that everyone remains on the same page, fostering a more transparent and efficient working environment.
Moreover, the relationships I've developed with my supervisors and colleagues have deepened over time, evolving into meaningful friendships. These relationships have not only made it easier for me to engage openly and ask numerous questions but have also enriched the workplace environment. We often share personal anecdotes, achieving a healthy balance between professional interactions and personal connection. This blend of professional and personal exchanges has greatly contributed to a supportive and collaborative atmosphere, based on mutual respect and shared interests in our careers and personal lives.
My academic journey in Biology, enhanced by collaborations with medical students and PhDs in the field, has significantly broadened my perspective. This dynamic environment facilitated a deeper understanding of complex biological processes and provided me with the opportunity to actively engage with experts through thoughtful inquiries. My participation in the Life Health Sciences Internship (LHSI) was crucial in defining my career aspirations. Initially uncertain about my professional direction as a freshman, I started on a pre-dental track. However, my exploration of various options and iterative reassessment of different courses eventually led me to a more focused career path. Working closely with a supervisor in medical school and under the guidance of a plastic surgeon, I was afforded numerous opportunities to pose questions and absorb knowledge. This interaction with experienced professionals played a vital role in refining my academic pursuits and shaping my career decisions.