Second Year: 2023-2024
In my second year, I developed significantly from who I was in my first year. My capacity to endure stress and manage more responsibilities has increased. This year showed me how persistent and resilient I am. During the fall semester, I was taking 17 credit hours and I started as a voluntary Biology Learning Assistant. I continued to volunteer at Cincinnati Children's Hospital from last year as well as adding another volunteer role in the NICU. Balancing all of these responsibilities took sacrifice at times and has shown me my priorities.
Over spring break I was given the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. with my scholarship program. We toured the Supreme Court, the capital, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, etc. during this trip. We also met with various political representatives where we networked, represented UC, and discussed important issues. This trip as well as my study tour to Germany has broadened my world views and cultural competence.
During the spring semester, I took 18 credit hours and became a Learning assistant through the learning commons which has further developed my professional skills. This added additional meetings and class prep to my already busy schedule, but I learned the importance of managing my schedule so that I can still show up to help students. Being an LA has introduced me to new friends and a community full of support including my fellow LAs and the professor teaching the course. Being an LA supports my goals because it allows me to make connections and reaffirm the content. One of the best ways to learn is by teaching others, so solidifying my knowledge of biology helps me in upper-level classes as well as the MCAT. It is really rewarding to be an LA for Biology, a class I was just taking last year, yet I've already improved and learned so much as a student to the point I can advise other students. Toward the end of the semester, I secured a research position at Children's hospital through the AIRE program that will begin during the summer semester and continue in the fall.
Next year, I will have a lighter course load with only 14 credit hours, so my goal is to increase my involvement on campus and extracurricular activities. I plan to gain more clinical experience through continuing research, shadowing, and working as a medical assistant. This will give me the opportunity to practice core competencies such as interpersonal skills, empathy and compassion, and oral communication.