Me to Me: Use Resources and Network!

As a first generation student, I wish I had all the help I could get when I started college. With that being said, if I could go back in time and give myself advice, it would be to take advantage of every resource on campus. When I first started, I was unsure where to go to find scholarships or financial aid. Not only that but I did not know who to ask. I spoke to students in class but only kept it at that. I did not think to ask more about their life and the idea of networking did not cross my mind. On that note, I would also tell myself to keep a close network of colleagues for future references. Today, I have maintained a good network and have been exposed to so many opportunities. As simple as it may seem, I have had free meals because a colleague of mine informs me about such events. Networking goes beyond this though as I found an internship out-of-state due to another colleague. One day, I noticed she was typing away and asked what she was working on. She mentioned she was applying to an internship in Boston, so I took that opportunity to do the same and expand upon other states. To say the least, if it was not for her, I would not have known about such benefits. If I had known about the importance of using resources and networking earlier in college, I may have started achieving accomplishments sooner rather than later.

Figure 1. A clipart depicting how networking works. One person knows another, who knows another, and so on ("Linked Connected Network...", n.d.).

Citation:

“Linked Connected Network Free Picture - Connected Circles Transparent Background {#355967 - Free Cliparts on ClipartWiki.” ClipartWiki.com, https://www.clipartwiki.com/iclip/hRxRoR_linked-connected-network-free-picture-connected-circles-transparent/.

Goals: Completed, Ongoing and New.

Since the beginning of school, my goals have ranged from new and old. I’ve listed completed, ongoing and new goals below. 

My completed goals:

1. Shadow a doctor.

2. Learn sign language.

Goals that I am continuing to work towards:

1. Graduate with a BS in Biology in May 2020.

2. Donate my hair to Children with Hair Loss.

3.Skydive.

New goals:

1. Apply for a medical Spanish interpreter program.

2. Get hired as an EMT.

3. Volunteer in a human trafficking organization.

This semester, I had the opportunity to shadow medical professionals at DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services (CRS) clinic. I observed doctors and nurse practitioners in neurology, spina bífida, pulmonology, genetics, and audiology. That checked off one of my goals and I couldn’t be happier. Another goal I completed was learning sign language. I’ve always been intrigued with this beautiful language and feel proud to say that I’ve finished two years of American Sign Language (ASL) classes.

I have been working towards my ongoing goals for two to four years now. It hasn’t been easy, with difficult classes arising and the feeling that time-is-of-the-essence. I’ve learned that patience and dedicated/ honest work are key. Everything will be worth it in the end and I will proudly pat myself on the back. I can’t wait to see that day.

My new goals are small and nothing drastic or impossible to achieve. I like to set goals that I know I can accomplish, even if they sound challenging. As the old saying goes, if you stick your mind to it, you can achieve anything. Everyday, I am working towards completing my goals and creating new ones. After all, goals have helped me keep my mind on track and focused; that’s something I want to continue doing.

Figure 1. A cartoon climbing up a ladder to get to a goal ("The Gentle Way...", n.d.). This is how goals usually are and it's not easy to get to them. Dedication, self-awareness and time management are a few of the many skills that are helpful in climbing up the ladder and grabbing a goal. 

Citation:

“The Gentle Way to Effective Goal Setting and Ending Procrastination: Goals, Achieving Goals, Coach International.” Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/24136547976700952/.