2023-2024
Below is a short summary of what experiences have had the most impact on my goals and future trajectory, which future experiences will encourage my growth, and what some of my goals are for next year.
01
Navigating Growth
Over the past year, several experiences have significantly impacted my personal, academic, and professional goals, shaping my life trajectory in profound ways. One of the most transformative experiences was completing the Flying Pig Marathon. This endeavor taught me the importance of balancing good health, mental strength, and discipline. Recently I stumbled upon Aristotle's virtues of courage, justice, and temperance. Now, if you're like me then you're probably thinking of courage as a soldier marching into battle or going on a scary roller coaster. However, I found that Aristotle's thoughts on courage were broader, he thought that doing things that cause temporary discomfort to achieve some higher good is another form of courage. This courage could be as simple as reading a book or doing your homework. The discipline required for marathon training permeated other areas of my life, fostering a resilient mindset and a commitment to personal growth. This accomplishment underscored the value of setting ambitious goals and maintaining the perseverance and courageous mindset to achieve them, which has been instrumental in shaping my future aspirations.
Another influential experience was mentoring a family friend Graham in soccer. Seeing him make the A-team was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my belief in the importance of passing down knowledge. This mentorship experience highlighted that learning is a lifelong journey and that sharing wisdom can have a profound impact on others. It also reignited my hopes to become a coach or tutor part-time in the future, as I have always found great fulfillment in helping others achieve their potential. This role further solidifies my desire to contribute positively to others' lives.
Looking ahead, I have planned several experiences to further encourage my growth. Visiting Zion National Park in August is one such plan. This trip will allow me to maintain a balance in my life and explore the wonders of nature, reinforcing the importance of taking breaks and finding inspiration outside of academic and professional pursuits. Additionally, shadowing for neurosurgery will provide me with invaluable first-hand experience in hospitals, offering a new perspective that I can bring into the classroom. This exposure to the medical field will enhance my understanding of the practical applications of my studies and inform my future career choices.
For the next year, my primary academic and professional goal is to secure a co-op position in one of these three sectors of the BME industry: Research & Design, Human Factors, or Clinical Affairs. This hands-on experience will be crucial in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, helping me to determine my concentration within BME. I am particularly leaning towards mechatronics, as it combines my previous co-op experiences in surgical robotics and my current interests in mechanical engineering and electronics.
Additionally, I aim to create a BMES newsletter that highlights significant BME articles, the latest findings, company acquisitions, new research papers, and innovative designs. Accompanying this newsletter, I plan to develop a website to serve as a comprehensive resource for the UC BME community. This initiative will not only enhance my knowledge and networking skills but also contribute to the dissemination of important information within the field.
In summary, the past year's experiences have laid a strong foundation for my future endeavors. By pursuing these upcoming goals and experiences, I am confident that I will continue to grow personally, academically, and professionally.