After finishing my Capstone project on my field of interest, General Surgery, I have finally finished the biomedical science program. I successfully presented my 7 minute speech on the DaVinci Surgical System in a crowd of over 200 people. While I was nervous leading up to it, it was not as bad as I thought. My nerves were quickly calmed after I began speaking as I realized I knew what I was talking about. As I reflect on my three years in the Biomedical Sciences Program, I have deepest gratitude for the impact that it has had on my life. The dedication that Mrs. McCleery and my fellow classmates have had at exploring the medical field and providing opportunities for growth and development has truly made a difference in my academic and personal journey towards choosing my path.
Biomed has not only provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, but it has also helped me to discover my passions and interests in becoming a surgeon. It has given me enough experience to actually know that I am confident in my plan for the rest of my life. Through Mrs. McCleery's committed teaching, engaging curriculum, and supportive community of medical professionals, I have been able to look at medicine from different angles that I never thought were possible. I was able to find what I like, and what I do not like. I truly do not think that would have been possible at any other place or program.
Starting off in Biomed after the Covid lockdown, I really did not have any clue what I was getting into. I am grateful for the commitment of Mrs. Dixon as my first Biomed teacher, but I missed out on a lot of speakers, field-trips, and activities due to the precautions of Covid. A lot of speakers would cancel or either call in through zoom, so there was a lot of loss from hands on learning. Mrs. Dixon did what she could, and I still received a very strong understanding of comparative body systems and the fundamentals of the program. That year, my favorite memory was Trauma week with the LifeFlight on the field. Little did I know that Dr. Butts would be my mentor two years later after he helped us learn about burns! My innovations class the next year also greatly impacted my view on medicine. I had such a fun time with 3d printing and trying things that I generally wouldn't choose to try. I found that I did not love the actual technology of medical equipment, but the actual medicine itself. I would have never figured that out without this class. Honorable mentions that year was Squirrel (RIP) and Forensics week! I found forensics week to be incredibly educational as I could to experience fields and jobs that I didn't even know existed (and also would normally see working in just healthcare).
Job shadowing has been one of the most powerful tools in finding out my love for medicine. By observing and learning from some of the best mentors in the medical field, I have gained a deeper understanding of the various roles and responsibilities within the operating room, as well as the challenges and rewards that come with working in the OR.
The abundance of guest speakers has been such a blessing throughout my three years. The time it takes to schedule and attend a highschool class while working was always so special to me. Getting to talk to professionals that have first-hand experience with different careers allowed me to see the reality of my interest. Whether that be through their lectures, our Q&As, or their activities, I have been able to view some of the most diverse individuals and careers.
My Interventions in Biomedical Sciences class has been of the most special and rewarding parts of my highschool career. While I have learned so much this year about my field of interest, I have have been able to grow a special bond with my class that I would have never fostered without the class. By the end of this year, we have all become so close to each other from our shared experiences in the program (and all the assignments it entails). The 25 page paper and the Capstone Presentation has greatly increased my appreciation for the dedication it takes to get through the program. It was not as bad as it appears, because Mrs. McCleery prepared us as allowed us to chunk out the assignments in ways that were more digestible. I luckily do not think that I struggled with any time management as I saw that Biomed needed to be treated like a core class. It was prioritized with my other core classes and I tried to take my assignments/deadlines serious as much as I could. I have more confidence in my research abilities and public speaking, which is something that I didn't know I would grasp from the program. I have built connections in this final class that I will be able to hold throughout my undergrad as a Pre-Medical student at Spring Hill college.
After being selected as a Pre-Medical Scholar student at Spring Hill, I have realized about how much of an impact that the biomed program has had in getting me to this point. I would have never had a shot in receiving 1 out of 6 positions in the selective program if it wasn't for my extensive resume of biomed experience since my sophomore year. For that I am forever grateful.
I am truly grateful for the dedication and hard work of all those involved in making this program such a success. Thank you to Mrs. McCleery for everything you have done to support my development, and for the impact you have had on the lives of my classmates.
Opmerkingen