Blog Post #4


End of Spring 2022

 
For my Mental and Physical Health:

From this semester, I learned to leave one day of the week for myself—either for cleaning, resting, reorganize, or do something for myself. I didn’t do that in this semester, and that took a hit on my grades. I have to learn to say no. If it affects my health, it is not worth it.

For my career goals:

Now that I’m close to finishing my two majors, I noticed that I haven’t work in what I originally wanted. I started to keep an agenda (an actual book). In cases where I don’t finish items of one day, I work on them the next day. I’m keeping a note to remember to make time for:

  • –      Practicing sculpting faces
  • –      Studying for the MCAT
  • –      Look for opportunities about Forensic Anthropology.

I will continue working in the Forensic Entomology lab because I like it, but I’m aware that it is not my end goal. However, having experience in research will be helpful.

Advice:

I believe what helped me to continue is talking to my professors. I had reassurance that it is not the end if I fail at some point. I also had friends who checked on me when I overworked myself.

I think the things I learned this semester that might help for STEM students are

  • Keep an agenda, so you don’t have to stress in remembering deadlines. 
    • For your daily tasks, plan on doing the minimum. That way your day is more flexible (in case of emergencies, or if a task takes longer than expected). If you end up having too much free time, you can work in just 1-2 tasks ahead and rest.
  • Learn to say no if you have too much in your plate.
  • Keep a note of what your goals are.
  • Sleep 7 hours minimum.
  • Keep a day free for yourself.
  • Prepare your meals a night before.
  • Ask for help. Talk with friends and professors.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Protein: Q13231 (CHIT1)

Image
This semester, I'm focusing on CHIT1.  CHIT1 is a gene and encodes a protein called Chitotriosidase-1, and is a member of the chitinase family. This is selectively expressed in activated tissue macrophages. As a biomarker  (it indicates the  severity or presence of some disease state) is the best  to monitor Gaucher disease from the three most commonly used. Also, it is a marker for macrophage activation in acute ischemic stroke. Chromosomal location  Cytogenetic Location: 1q32.1. 1q    = The long (q) arm of the chromosome 1 32.1 =  It is the position in the arm. Molecular Location: base pairs 203,216,079 to 203,229,673  Data and Picture Reference: Genetics Home Reference.  August 17th, 2020. CHIT1 gene, Chitinase1. Retrieved from: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/CHIT1#resources Function:  Chitinases wo rks in both innate and adaptive immunity.  They are necessary for the following functions: Degrades chitin, chitotriose and chitobiose. May participate in the defense against nematode
Read more

CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE

Something that I learn about cultural intelligence and cultural responsiveness is to first have cultural openness and cultural awareness. From what I understood one has to be open to learn about other people's culture with an open mind. However, this doesn't mean to be invasive or assume somebody's cultural background.  I like the definition of  Business professors P. Christopher Earley and Elaine Mosakowski about cultural intelligence. They define it as “an outsider’s seemingly natural ability to interpret someone’s unfamiliar and ambiguous gestures the way that person’s compatriots would.”  This means to have the ability to relate to people from other cultures by empathizing and actively working to understand customs and norms of other cultures besides our own  ( What Is Cultural Intelligence and Why Is It Key to Business? – Nationwide , n.d.). Now, according to the National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational Systems (NCCREST), “cultural responsiveness is the ab
Read more

First Day! Streak Method, Gram Stain Test and Microscope.

Image
First day in the STEM-TRAIN program. I learned about the “Streak Plate Method”, the “Gram Stain Test” and how to use a microscope. (Sept. 10th, 2019) V-Fisheri bacteria At the beginning of the class, Shawn, a senior student, explained to me the experiment he was working on. He was working with V-fisheri bacteria that have as bioluminescent properties. The goal of his experiment is to find some components that can stop the bacteria from releasing AHL molecules. The V-fischeri bacteria is a gram-negative bacterium found in marine environments When it multiplies and it is ready to communicate with each other, it releases QS molecules. When these molecules are released, the biofilm glows. If the biofilm doesn’t glow there is “something” that stops the communication among these bacteria Pathogenic bacteria also release molecules when it tries to communicate with the others; however, these molecules are toxins. The V-fisheri experiment is successful, it can be applied to p
Read more