A Letter to your Future Self – Ashley Durden

Dear Future Self,

First, I want to congratulate you for embarking on your first research journey. I know, even now, that you will accomplish great things over the summer that you should be nothing but proud of.

I am so excited to be a part of the 2023 cohort of the Women and Gender Summer Fellowship program! This is a huge step in my academic career. I’m finally conducting research, and preparing myself for the trying process of writing a senior thesis. I am especially excited since my research project, MyHealth: Training the Next Generation of Health Researchers, is in public health, a subject I have been extremely passionate about the last two years. I see myself learning a ton about public health in action, and building on my qualitative research skills. My hope is to also see how I can translate my interests in health and social work/justice into a career for myself. I can’t wait to see how this program can help transform me academically and personally!

This new journey does not come without fears though. My biggest fear is being in over my head in this work. Research is a bit daunting because it requires me to explore tasks I’ve never done before. However, I have to remember that everything is about learning, and growing. I also have mentors and advisors that are here to help and guide me. I refuse to let my fear of the unknown hold me back. I also know that I’ve done so much to prepare me for this fellowship program. The classes I’ve taken since coming to Michigan have provided me with the knowledge to work on my project, and my experiences as a student have given me the skills to excel in the academic world.

WAGSFP begins a new chapter in my life that I am more than excited to experience!

Sincerely,

Ashley