Embedded Files
Internship Goals
Goal #1: To cultivate a professional demeanor and work ethic
My first learning goal for this internship is to develop a foundation of professionalism, which my supervisor and I have identified several tasks to achieve. These include data management, attending and contributing to project meetings regularly, and joining the planning team for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. As someone new to non-restaurant work, I initially lacked confidence in the workplace and struggled to know what I was doing right or wrong. However, I've come to see professionalism as actively contributing to a team, doing assigned work, attending meetings, and showing respect for others. Completing these tasks will help me gain a better understanding of what working in a professional setting is like, and become familiar with how research and studies are conducted.
Goal #2: To improve my time-management skills
Another key aspect of professionalism is being efficient with time, which brings me to my next learning goal: improving my time-management skills. As an intern, I have the responsibility of setting my own work schedule around my school commitments. To achieve this goal, I plan to continue learning how to balance work, school, and personal life. I will use tools such as the Outlook calendar, whiteboard, and planners to plan and track daily and weekly tasks, communicate effectively with others when unexpected events arise, and take a proactive approach to meeting deadlines and due dates. I'm happy to report that I've made significant progress in my time-management skills, having become more disciplined and proactive in my work. Although balancing work and life remains a challenge, keeping a paper planner has been particularly helpful in staying on top of important tasks.
Goal #3: To use my internship as a stepping stone toward realizing my long-term career goals.
During my time working with the research team, I gained valuable insights into the inner workings of research studies. I was able to practice enrolling participants, conducting surveys, and collecting data, which helped me develop my skills in these areas. Additionally, I gained a better understanding of the process of informed consent, which is a crucial aspect of any research study. Attending meetings, check-ins, and trainings related to the research study gave me a glimpse into the field of research, and I discovered that I thoroughly enjoyed the work and working in a team. Overall, my experience with the research team has been invaluable in shaping my career interests and goals.
Career Goals
Career Goals
My current academic goal is to obtain my bachelor's degree and then assess my options for further education or career paths.
I've never been sure of my career goals and I'm still not sure now. What I am sure of is that it is a privilege for me to receive an education as I'll be the first in my family with a bachelor's degree. After I graduate, I plan to take a break from school and go into the workforce. During this period, I hope to explore my options and assess whether pursuing a PhD is the right path for me. If I decide to pursue a PhD, I aspire to contribute to the literature on language brokering in immigrant families.
Career and Academic journey
I've changed majors from Dietetics, Dental Hygiene, Pre-PA, and finally to Medical Sociology. I wanted to be a chef at some point and even took culinary classes. I was adamant about becoming a PA (Physician Assistant) because I thought that was the only practical career for me as an immigrant. That having a prestigious career as a Physician Assistant would hopefully pay my parents back for their hard work and sacrifices in bringing us to the U.S. for a better life.
And for all my freshman and sophomore years, I struggled through the chemistry, biology, physiology, and other science courses. This semester, I finally accepted that I'm not a STEM person and it's okay that I'm not. I really enjoy my major as a Medical Sociology and being a liberal arts student.
This year-long internship and Social Aspects of Mental Health and Mental Illness (SOC-R585)—the class I took this spring semester— helped me realize that I enjoyed research and can see myself working as a researcher, that's one of the reasons I would pursue a PhD.
Another reason why I would like to pursue a PhD is to become a professor and work in academia. However, I am aware that it is an extremely difficult and long journey. Therefore, I plan to take a break from school and return when I am certain about my decision to pursue a PhD.
My Why
On the 'About Me' page, I mentioned my heritage, which is the Karenni Kayah. The Karenni people have a long and difficult history, and many of us have faced persecution and displacement due to the ongoing conflict in Burma. In fact, many Karenni fled to refugee camps along the Thai-Burma border, where they faced numerous challenges still, such as being unable to work legally and experiencing cuts to their food rations.
Due to war violence and poverty, education was scarce in Burma and the education in the refugee camp was subpar. My mom never attended school and my dad only went to the first grade and only two (out of six) of my older siblings received a high school diploma. My why for attending college is to pave the way for my 13 nieces and nephews and all the younger folks in the Karenni community. As someone who's had to do a lot of things by myself like applying to colleges, FAFSA, internships, etc.; it feels like I'm trekking through the wilderness with no clear direction, no roadmaps, and with just a scrap of hope. As a first generation everything, it's hard to build or become something that I've never seen an example of. I want to be that example for others.
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