My experience this summer has been very eye-opening. I have learned the importance and value of truly listening and opening oneself up to new experiences, ideas, and ways of living. I have realized that outside of the bubble of a college campus, there are ways that I can contribute to the betterment of society in ways that do not require a degree. It also reminded me how privileged I am to be able to go abroad and to even be able to pursue a college education. I am grateful for the connections I have made with people and the lessons I have learned.
I want to leave a special thanks to the particular unit I was part of this summer. Thank you to the KER unit for embodying the art of listening and compassionate care. It helped me realize my own passion for clinical translation science and be mindful when conducting research with human subjects that we are still working with real people and with real problems and complex lives, not a data point on excel but living breathing being.
My capstone project is going well, however, I underestimated how difficult it would be to get interviews with people, especially when people are living such hectic lives and heavily involved in research as well as in the community.
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