This summer has flown by, and I can’t believe that we are already on week six of my research experience! I have accomplished a lot in this short amount of time, and have almost finished writing a rough draft of a research paper. Our next steps are to get it peer reviewed, which is something that has always been on my bucket list to accomplish. I have learned a lot about the steps that come with conducting a study and writing a manuscript, which I hope to apply to any of my future endeavors. So far, I would say that the most challenging part of this experience has been staying focused while working alone in an online setting, as well as teaching myself the more technical aspects of writing that I did not previously know. My favorite part of the summer was being able to come with my mentor to Detroit to participate in focus groups testing the preliminary success of an app designed to help non-native English speaks gain access to resources for type two diabetes. This was a fun day because I got to apply my knowledge from my Spanish classes here at the University of Michigan to a real setting! Although I did not follow along perfectly, I enjoyed being able to see how research is conducted in real time, including all the bumps along the road. I try to apply my social identity to research by involving myself in things I am passionate about and try to better the world through my interests in research. I am grateful to be having this experience in a day where research opportunities are becoming more and more limited, so I am appreciating every second of the summer!
