
When reflecting on potential careers and industries that align with my values, the medical field personally stands out as the most meaningful. Taking this path offers me the unique opportunity to blend my two greatest passions: science and helping others. While there are many ways to combine these interests into a fulfilling career, the deep sense of purpose and personal fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community that shaped me is unparalleled.
This field is incredibly exciting as it has offered me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact—not just on my own life, but also on the lives of others. Beyond the career itself, the journey allows me to apply my medical and scientific expertise, while upholding my core values of integrity. Collaborating with the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills has been an invaluable experience in building my professional presence from the ground up. Through this partnership, I have become aware of numerous opportunities for growth as a Regional Career Ambassador. My role is to effectively communicate these opportunities to fellow students, helping them navigate their own career development and achieve their professional goals!
Although I am still in the early stages of my career, one piece of advice I would offer to students pursuing any career path is to take full advantage of the resources available to you. The support on campus is designed to help you become the best version of yourself and achieve your goals. Additionally, building a strong network and cultivating personal connections will be invaluable in advancing your success in any professional endeavor. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who you feel could benefit your professional development; putting yourself on the radar of peers and professionals is an excellent way to establish a network and grow your professional presence.
Your personal identity and past lived experiences are so extremely important in any setting that you walk into – professional or unprofessional. As a first-generation, low-income student, I am more than familiar with the feeling of imposter syndrome, constantly feeling as though I must work twice as hard to level the playing field with my peers or even wondering if pursuing such ambitious goals is a feasible possibility for a person like me.
But navigating my way through the first semester of my freshman year, I’ve come to understand that unique perspectives foster innovation and creativity in any given workplace. Professional success and development means something different for everyone, and it is up to you to explore ways in which your success will come to fruition – but that doesn’t mean the journey is one to take on by your lonesome!