2023 Summer Plans

As the semester comes to a close, I have decided to share some of my upcoming goals with my summer and hopefully what they will lead to. This blog will be a reminder of where I am headed and also to see how far I've come.

Firstly, I will be treated to a wonderful opportunity known as the GalapaGO! Faculty-Led Research Study Abroad trip by the University of Houston. I am so excited about this trip as I've studied within the classroom all about the projects that will be conducted whilst on the trip. I plan on making significant connections with my peers that go on this trip and the researchers that live on the remote islands. I have also brushed up on some more Spanish in order to better communicate in the homestays which will also be an experience within itself. We are expected to participate and actively participate in 3 research projects that are headed by the research station within the Galapagos. This will be my first chance at true biological fieldwork and research. I plan on bringing my best and providing the most accurate research I possibly can. Also, I hope I can learn from the mentors and friends I make along this journey through the culture or through collaboration for scientific understanding.

This trip will occur between late May and the end of late July.

The second big event of the summer is my first-ever MCAT! In August, I am preparing to take the MCAT in Houston in order to find a baseline for my score as well as a way to maintain my track to my eventual medical school application. I have created a detailed plan and schedule in order to properly prepare for the test without the aid of a course and only based on the self-study material I've been recommended by friends and mentors.

Thirdly, throughout my studies, I hope to complete some volunteer hours at the local Houston Methodist Hospital. I hope to become a significant impact at the hospital and network with more individuals within the medical field. This will eventually lead me into a program I hope to be accepted into called the Academic Associates Program with the Texas Children's Hospital. There I will have the chance to continue clinical research and aid around the hospital. This exposure to the field will provide a gratifying experience and further transform into stories that I can use to explain my passion for the subject.

Overall, my upcoming summer seems to be filled with adventure, rigorous academic challenges, and a gleaming opportunity for networking. I sincerely hope this summer goes smoothly and I hope to continue updating this blog with my thoughts regarding my new medical and research experiences!