What specific experiences (honors or otherwise) in the past year have had the most impact on your personal, academic, or professional goals and life trajectory? Which future experiences will further encourage this growth? Please articulate specific academic and/or professional goals for the next year.
Over the past year, I have accumulated a series of formative experiences—within and beyond the University Honors Program—that have powerfully influenced my personal, academic, and professional trajectory. They not only informed the way I engage in my education, but provided me with clarity and momentum regarding my future.
One of the greatest learning experiences throughout the year was my involvement in the Data Science and Statistics course taught by Xia Wang. In this, I was able to advance my learning in data science and how it applies in the contemporary world and acquire hands-on experience in RStudio and Python. It stimulated my mind and enabled me to transcend theoretical knowledge, applying it to real-life situations. It also enabled me to work alongside fellow students with a similar interest in data science, creating an academic community and shared purpose.
Beyond the classroom, my role as an Honors Ambassador was just as influential. The position enabled me to interact directly with the student body and enabled me to appreciate the value of good communication and leadership. It was here that I was able to see my field of interest applied in the real world and how I might be able to meaningfully contribute to it in the future. Coping with challenges in this role also made me stronger and more flexible—qualities I am certain will serve me well into the future.
At a personal level, I learned much by stepping out of my comfort zone to assist with the taking of the stats for the club lacrosse team. This task forced me into a high-pressure scenario and eventually concluded in enhanced confidence and self-awareness. It reminded me that change generally comes from discomfort and that calculated risk-taking could lead to a great deal of personal transformation.
Before me lies an internship with Ace Hardware this summer, where I look forward to leveraging all that has been experienced thus far. I especially look forward to networking with similar individuals, for I have no doubt it will further enhance my perception of the professional world and get me one step closer to achieving my lifelong aspiration of solving the ills of the world through mathematics and statistics. I also aim to extend my leadership position in the world of math as a tutor, where I wish to educate others and gain more learning through service.
My objectives for the upcoming school year are to continue with a solid GPA. Professionally, my hope is to obtain another internship for summer break to be able to show off what I have learned. Both of these stem from the momentum I have created this year, and I am committed to continuing down that path of mindful expansion and development.
Reflecting on the past year, I am reminded of how personal and professional development is an ongoing process. I am grateful to the people and experiences that have led to where I am today, and I embrace the future.