There have been a few ways I have found myself successful through my experience at LHSI. Coming into this internship, I was unsure of how I would balance all of my extracurriculars plus handling research tasks. As the semester went on, I learned that building a routine has allowed me to be successful in this. It was crucial that at the start of each semester, I planned out what my goals and tasks were for each week. Doing this allowed me to recognize what tasks I was going to tackle each week school work-wise and lab-wise. This is a habit that I am going to continue doing for the rest of my college education as it helps me stay organized with school and my personal life. Being consistent with the times I was going to the lab also helped me stay structured and dedicated to my lab. Doing this will allow me to stay organized when I am in professional school and have a job later on. I am happy to say that I have learned new skills such as cell subculturing, microscopy, cell treatment, sterile technique, and research design. These skills have not only enriched my experience at LHSI but have also prepared me for future endeavors in both academia and the professional world.
Along with success there always comes some challenges. As I begin on documenting my research and crafting a PowerPoint presentation, I encounter the challenge of including the wealth of information and findings from my assigned project into a succinct format. This task demands precision and clarity, traits that do not come easily to me. Fortunately, under the guidance of Dr. Sears, I am learning how to effectively summarize my findings and identify key points essential for conveying the significance of my work to others. Overcoming this challenge is crucial, as it ensures that the essence of my research is communicated comprehensively and compellingly, facilitating understanding and engagement among my audience. Being able to break down complex ideas will make me a better student and a better professional who can effectively communicate with patients and colleagues.Â
Learning to balance extracurricular activities with research tasks is crucial for any career, especially in the medical field where time management is essential. My experience in establishing a routine and dedicating specific hours to lab work can translate into managing a busy schedule an aspiring physician. Confronting challenges, such as condensing complex information for presentations or publications, is a common aspect of professional life. The guidance I received from Dr. Sears on effectively communicating research findings demonstrates the importance of seeking mentorship and refining communication skills, which are vital for conveying medical information to patients and colleagues.