Reflection

Transitioning from high school to university life was daunting in and of itself and this future of uncertainty was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, making the choice to attend UCF was one of the easier parts of the process. As a child being raised in UCF's backyard (Orlando, FL), I often dreamt about a future as an aspiring Knight, envisioning what would lie ahead as I attended the university to pursue my passion for medicine. Now as I approach my upperclassmen years at UCF as a pre-medical student, I remain inspired by the potential to use the theories I have learned in the classroom to build meaningful connections and positively impact those around me. This drive is highlighted in the UCF Creed tenets of Scholarship and Creativity, both of which are pillars for any physician entering the ever-changing landscape of academic medicine.

After having gone through a selective application and interview process, I was accepted into the UCF LEAD Scholars Academy on May 26, 2020. Ironically enough, this was also the day of my (unfortunately cancelled) in-person high school graduation ceremony. Looking back at my journey so far, I find it hard to believe that nearly two years have flown by since this life-altering news and now. As I get ready to graduate from the Academy in May 2022, I can truly say that the experience I've had as a LEAD Scholar has shaped me into the person I am today. Not only was I able to learn about various leadership theories and their implicit connection to the Social Change Model, but I was also able to define leadership in ways that align with my personality and leadership style. This empowered me to utilize this knowledge outside the classroom when getting involved in on-campus organizations and leadership opportunities. I have also applied aspects of my leadership philosophy when serving the Greater Orlando community that I've grown up in and when seeking out shadowing opportunities to learn about life as a physician within a given medical specialty. Lastly, this leadership aptitude has carried over to help facilitate an internal interest in carrying out undergraduate research and it has compelled me to seek resources provided through the Office of Undergraduate Research to make this happen.

Overall, I am excited to continue to apply the introspection that I have gained throughout my time as a LEAD Scholar to pursue other opportunities that relate to my professional and personal development as I continue to Charge On towards a career in medicine in the long run.