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I have another thought I want to share tonight. I am constantly getting asked "How have you done so much in your 2 years of undergraduate" and the short answer is hard work, dedication and amazing mentoring.
My first semester of undergraduate I did HORRIBLE. I barely passed my courses and had to drop Chem. I was ready to switch to business until I met @yanirisma__ . Yaniris honestly
was the biggest inspiration I had! I saw her doing so many things and being so successful.
was the biggest inspiration I had! I saw her doing so many things and being so successful.
I wanted to be just like her but I realized that there's not one path. A rough start doesn't mean I should quit. I was very closed to switching (multiple times) either due to self doubt or family pressure. It took some work to set that foot down and set some goals
After that first semester I reshaped my study habits and was able to raise my GPA significantly. I also met my first mentor who also taught me the basics of R. That same semester I started to serve as the Secretary for the Microbiology student chapter.
And started some research assistantship work. When the covid pandemic hit our research was put on hold and I again felt lost and kept feeling like I would fall behind. But again, I adapted I used that time to learn more R and expand my knowledge.
And identify some key research areas I enjoyed and was interested in. All my close friends know my constant struggle with Imposter Syndrome. Everyone knows my struggle with general chemistry, I ended up passing with an A.
Everyone that has read my statements can tell you that I'm very insecure about my writing since English is my second language but it takes motivation and trial and error. Out of fear I applied to many REUs thinking I wouldn't get into any.
I kept comparing my self to reddit people instead of saying "I've been through all of this and I'm still going". Imposter syndrome hits me every single day but then I remember, thats what I am here for, my goal for undergrad is to learn and set interest and discover myself
My goal with this thread is to show there's always ups and downs to every story. You might see me starting SACNAS as well as a new undergraduate research project but it took me a while to develop time management skills, organization skills
And just know that I will still have my hard ships along the way but I made if here, only 2 years of undergraduate and look at all I've done.
I don't think I would be in the position that I am now with the support of @yanirisma__ , @PROUD_UPRH , @JimmyBernot , @alejandringui , The Stem cast team , @KAlicea_PhD and @JustinCLuong . These people have been instrumental as my development as a student,leader and person
As I keep getting good news or bad news in the following weeks. I am proud of the progress I made as a scientist and as a person through every single application process taught me something and helped me improve my writing.
My point with this is that I can finally say I am feeling proud of my accomplishments so far and I can't wait on what I do next. I want to see what kind of mentor I become and what kind of work I will do.
