My fears at the beginning of this journey were mostly about my preparedness for the task of conducting research for the first time. Those fears didn’t completely fade away, but I was surprised to see how well I did in this new role of mine. I picked up fast, and learned so many new skills. Like I had said in my first post, I have done so much in my academic and personal life to prepare me for this job. In the end, I just had to trust myself, and the process, and everything would work out. I also built upon some really important soft skills the past two months. My written and oral communication skills have improved significantly. My time management skills have definitely been challenged, which is surprising to me since I’ve always prided myself on that skill, but it goes to show that there’s always room for improvement.
At times my research really stressed me out. Due dates came up fast, and a lot of the time I felt behind, something I desperately try to avoid. However, with the support of my mentors, I was able to accomplish my goals, and was never late with anything. I am truly so appreciative of all the time and effort they spent on me so I could achieve my goals.
This WAGSFP experience has opened so many doors for me! I now have some research experience under my belt. The seminars taught me so much about how to navigate the world of research, and showcase the skills I’ve earned during my time in the WAGSFP. I’ve deepened my knowledge in public health, and now have a good idea as to what I want to explore in my senior thesis. WAGSFP was much more than just something to put on my resume, instead it was a character building experience that I am incredibly grateful for.
Ashley Durden