Success:
A time when I felt successful as an intern was when I was finally able to voice my input at our lab meetings. It's been a challenge to fully understand all the complex physiological terminology being used since I'm a non-exercise science major. Since our lab is mostly master's and PhD exercise science student researchers, they are well-versed in the field. Being that I'm passionate about exercise and the research related to it, I stayed patient and immersed myself in additional research, I actively listened during lab meetings, and I asked numerous questions. Recently, I was finally able to voice my opinion on a topic because I finally recognized the context, which I'm proud of.
Another moment of success for me was when I became more familiar with the equipment, especially the bio dex machine. Initially, operating it seemed daunting, but through consistent practice and guidance from my peers, I gained confidence. Now, I can efficiently carry out data collection and strength testing sessions with the equipment. This accomplishment not only boosted my confidence but also contributed significantly to the smooth functioning of our research endeavors.
Challenges:
The most challenging aspect of my internship lies in comprehending the discussions. Given that my major is unrelated to the field, there's a plethora of new information in my lab that I'm still navigating. Despite my enthusiasm for exercise, my grasp of the science behind it remains basic. I believe that ongoing support from my supervisor and fellow students in the lab will help overcome this challenge. As I dive deeper into my research and enhance my knowledge in the field, I am confident that this issue will gradually diminish.