APPROACHING THE FINISH LINE

12/1-12/7

Last week, I followed up with my interviewees and continued to reach out to prospective mentors. It has been a bit disheartening to receive polite noes, but I understand how busy researchers are with their intense schedule. I appreciate the straightforward rejections as no responses would be even more frustrating. My quest for a mentor is yet to end. I will keep my hopes up and persevere. In addition to sending out my weekly set of emails to prospective mentors, I also spent time last week reflecting on my research speech presentation and composing personal feedback on how I can improve for future speeches. Although this might seem like a minute task, it is a worthy one. I will utilize the feedback I have given myself coupled with the evaluation from my ISM instructor, Ms. Penney, to work on my weaknesses and turn them into strengths.

Along with reflecting and reaching out to professionals, I was also successful by progressing steadily with my original work. Last week, I compiled all of my research and produced an organized outline, while also researching on necessary topics that failed to be addressed through research assessments. The toughest part is transforming all of my notes from interviews and research into a visually appealing and informative patent guide that is polished and systematic. I am glad that I have already completed the strenuous process of planning and arranging. This week, I will be focusing on implementing my outline as I finish up creating and formatting my patient guide. As I am approaching the finish line, I am realizing how I have progressed as a scholar and individual in ISM. I am incredibly proud of the work I have done thus far and I am excited to produce an original work that benefits the community. I intend to continue working hard and making my peers, instructor, and myself proud!