Which skill(s) on the survey are you using so far or where are you more confident already? Give examples of how you're using the skill or how you know you're growing:
One skill on the survey that I've definitely felt more confident in recently is independent working. I've learned a lot throughout my time at my site so far, and now I'm able to independently work on projects, research, and data collection without needing much help due to the gain in experience over time at my site.
Which skill(s) from the survey would you like to continue to work on? What will you do to grow the skill(s)?:
One skill I would like to still work on is just generally understanding the research behind my site. My site is with the Health and Human Sciences department, and being that I'm a school of science major (or out of the department as they refer it), it can be challenging to understand all the terms my co-workers use and learn more about different topics in muscle biology research. However, I don't see this as a big issue. These are definitely things that I'll become more familiar with over time.
How are you using and/or building on your existing strengths or experiences so far as an intern?:
A couple of strengths that I'm building on as I progress through my site are teamwork and communication skills. Being at lab meetings, working with my co-workers on projects, and communicating when I need help are things I've improved on at my site, and I will continue to improve on as time progresses.
How has the internship helped you gain a deeper understanding of your coursework or major?:
Since I'm majoring in Biology and Neuroscience, there hasn't been a lot of information that I've learned at my site that can help me with my coursework because my lab is more for an Exercise science major, but my supervisor specializes in Molecular Biology aside from the Human Anatomy and Physiology, so that has been very helpful as she presents projects that involve Molecular Biology because I'm currently taking a class on that topic.
Update: My time at my site has improved my knowledge on the anatomical and physiological fields, since I'm not too fond of these fields because I'm a Biology and Neuroscience major. I've become very interested in anatomy and physiology, that my experiences led me to decide to take anatomy this semester, instead of later when I was planning. I'm very grateful for the things I've learned in these topics, because I can apply this knowledge into my profession and exercise.
Which skill(s) on the survey are you using or where are you more confident since fall? Give examples of how you're using the skill or how you know you're growing:
Definitely my contribution and communication. Working with the masters and Ph.D. students at my site have improved my communication in a team work setting. Being able to collaborate with these higher students has been very insightful in gaining knowledge and strengthening my skills. In example, I've been able to voice my opinion at team meetings because I've strengthened my communication and I've learned a lot about the research through experiences, compared to last semester, when I was still growing these skills.
Which skill(s) from the survey would you like to continue to work on? What will you do to grow the skill(s) this semester or after LHSI?
I would still like to work on my communication. Communication is a skill/aspect that can always be improved. When I say that I've improved in my communication, its not perfect. I've always struggled with this growing up, so it never hurts to keep wanting to improve and get better. Being a good speaker/talker is a very important skill in life and will get you very far in any professional setting.
How have you used or built on your previous strengths or experiences this year?
As mentioned before, I've built my communication and collaboration at my time in this site. I'm very grateful for the skills and experiences I've picked up and strengthened. These two skills/aspects are very important to my professional career.