Hey Riley,
WAGSFP is officially over! You survived your first summer in Ann Arbor and loved it, and getting to present your research at symposium was ~amazing~. As expected, this research has been a great time for your research skills to grow, and your mentor has been an invaluable resource for questions about grad school and how to pursue a career in research. While your project took a major shift in topic, looking into obstetric violence has definitely inspired your own interest in pursuing something so ignored in the US, and potentially helped you narrow down your specific research interests. As for challenges, I’m still trying to learn how to balance all the aspects of a healthy lifestyle, such as work, exercise, and friends. When school starts it’ll be even harder for sure, but I’m sure it’ll work out. This summer has definitely put you in the mindset for success, and according to a fortune cookie you had recently, “you will obtain your goal if you maintain your course.”
You got this,
Riley