First goal I had was to be able to handle the mice.  Some tasks I will do to meet this goal is to do training on how to handle mice, be on protocol, and be comfortable handling the mice for collections. The second goal I had was to master genotyping. Some tasks I can do to meet this goal is to be able to complete a full genotyping sample on my own and to know the difference of what DNA I'm sampling for. The third goal I had was to be able to help with x-rays. Some tasks I will do to meet this goal is to work with ISO and help/watch Sarah do x-rays and be able to do it on my own with supervision. 

March 30

• I am cleared to handle and work with mice. Since doing that I have been able to work along side more tasks and help transport mice in the room. I'm still a little tense when handling mice while they are awake but it's getting better the more practice I get with them.

• I have not mastered genotyping just yet. I was working on genotyping projects during the Fall but since the lab had to change protocol on how they did genotyping I haven't been able to help with that project this Spring. 

• I have yet to do an X-ray on my own but I have seen the process many times and feel confident that if they asked me to do it or help I am able to. I have helped with DEXA while with another student and feel confident doing that on my own as a form of X-Rays. Other than that I still hope I can help with X-Rays before the LHSI internship comes to an end. 

As of right now my future career goal is to be a physical therapist. I've wanted to be a physical therapist since high school. I've always wanted to work in the medical field but don't do well with blood or needs so I thought something not so invasive would be a better option. I did many sports in school and wanted to understand my body movement better. Right now I am 70% sure I want this to be my forever career. This year I am trying to find if I'd rather find a job in a lab with my background in physical therapy education or if I want to work with patients. 

This lab has helped confirmed that I do like working in a lab and engaging with other colleagues. I still have yet to work with patients or in that type of setting so I'm unsure if I don't like that atmosphere. For now I do like coming into a lab or office and knowing what tasks I need to do or projects I'll be working on that day. I feel very confident in my self-knowledge that if I applied for an office or lab based job I would feel comfortable working in that type of space and doing research that way for my career. 

One of the bigger goals I had at the start of the year was finalizing on what I want to do after graduation. I was having difficulty deciding on whether I wanted to go back to school for PT or find a full time job that still helped with my career but then getting a certificate for Spanish Medical. I haven't fully decided but I'm learning more towards finding a full time job after graduation. Even though I really like school and the schedule that comes with it, I can't sustain living without a full time job. I still need to do more research on PT programs around me and what that entails but for now I'm wanting to get my certificate and finding a job. 

I am still looking for more opportunities to work but also learn. A colleague of mine suggested interning for sports teams around me or emailing PT offices. I have looked into it but need to do some more research. If I can find something for this summer or season that is the goal. As for IUPUI, I am still wanting to finish strong and not loss motivation for finishing my degree. I'm certain I can graduate on time and am excited to finish my Bachelors.