My STEP project was the Rocky Mountain Leaders Expedition, and it entailed climbing and hiking in the Colorado Rocky Mountains for 10 days. I learned how to climb and belay others, both of which were very new experiences for me. Many of the climbs were in preparation for Longs Peak, a half-day climb at the end of the trip that was very challenging but also rewarding.

During my STEP signature project, I became much more confident in myself and my ability to succeed with climbing. Prior to the trip, we had done preparation field days; two were in a park on an outdoor rock, one was in an indoor climbing gym and one was in the woods. The one in the woods was the closest to the actual thing, and I distinctly remember one of the helpers saying they’d never seen anyone stuck on the wall for as long as I was. That should give a good indicator of my skill level leading up to the trip, and as funny as that was at the time, it also made me doubt myself since I didn’t want to be the person to hold my team back. I even remember during the course for the trip that prior Spring, stories about previous climbers who slowed everyone down. I didn’t want that person to be me.

On the second day of the trip, we had our first climb, and it was an outdoor rock in a park similar to the one I did on the two field days, but a bit larger. We had just had a hike that morning and I had thought we might stop at the house for a little bit, but it wasn’t until we left and started hiking that I learned we were climbing right after, and I didn’t have my climbing equipment. Even worse, it wasn’t until we drove straight to the park for climbing that I realized we weren’t stopping at the house on the off-chance I could grab my gear. So, I had to borrow my fellow trip member’s equipment that day, and to top it all off, one of the routes I attempted I didn’t even get off the ground on. It reminded me of the field day in the woods, and I immediately thought, “Oh, great, I guess this will be how the whole trip will go.”

Luckily for me, though, I was wrong. While the second day had its challenges, I made sure to pay closer attention to the itinerary from then on so that I could always be prepared when leaving in the morning. Actually, I’m an Eagle Scout so I really should’ve known better on the second day considering the “Always Be Prepared” mantra of Scouting. The shoes I’d borrowed on the second day were very tight, which does provide strategic value and its not like they’re supposed to be comfortable, but I decided to go against the grain and sacrifice performance for comfort, since in opinion, the more comfortable I am, the better I perform. At least while climbing. I prefer in-person classes and work settings as opposed to online ones. Maybe that comparison isn’t one to one though since it’s not like you can climb online.

I do believe my logic payed off, as I could take my time thinking through the routes without letting my feet bother me. That is, of course, just personal preference though, and I would recommend using tighter shoes like you’re supposed to. Just because it worked for me doesn’t mean it will for you. In additional to bigger shoes, I also made sure to have in my head that I didn’t want to let my team down, which helped me push forward. I also accidentally ended up successfully sending exactly three routes in a row for the first few days, which, after I realized it, became a minimum goal for me to achieve. I did end up surpassing that too, which was satisfying. Overall, I think the biggest contributor to the improvement in my performance was simply thinking through what to do and problem solving. Watching my tripmates climb also helped give me a good perspective for how to climb the routes, and their encouragement was always welcome. The comradery did a lot to help keep a positive attitude and persevere through each climb I did. As I gained further success, I naturally gained more confidence in my ability to climb as well. I went into the trip with little climbing experience, so one of my biggest takeaways is that if I could successfully improve that much in such a short amount of time, then so can you.

Long Peak was certainly challenging, but it was also very satisfying to complete. Even when I ended up falling behind the group a little bit during Longs Peak, I put on some Beastie Boys and hiked as fast as I could, practically running, until I caught up with everyone else. I have never been one for giving up or quitting, and I always like to persevere and try as hard as I can with what I’m doing. The only exception is if I no longer find whatever I’m doing fun, but you’ll catch me dead before saying learning how to rock climb wasn’t fun. At the end of the trip, they gave out awards with rubber ducks, inspired by the rubber ducks Jeep owners give each other, which I was pleased by as a Jeep owner myself. I was even more pleased, though, at receiving the “Most Improved Climber” award, as it gave me a visual and material acknowledgement signifying my progress and how far I’d come since the beginning of the trip. I achieved my goal of not slowing my team down, and perhaps I even exceeded it while having a lot of fun in the process. Due to this, in terms of being a leader, my biggest takeaway was definitely with teamwork. I got along well with everyone, I put a lot of value into making sure I kept up my pace, I encouraged others, received encouragement and with belaying, I put my trust in others and others put their trust in me to do it safely and correctly. I believe that was a major theme for the trip, as bonding, trust and comradery are key aspects of a successful team, and there’s no doubt we had all of those.

The improvement in my confidence and ability to succeed really have to do with adaptability, as well as perseverance and teamwork. I have already gone over how the latter two helped me, but I believe adaptability was a major factor as it was what allowed me to enter into a completely new environment, situation and skill set and be able to not only manage to not fall behind, but also find a lot of success. The trip has helped me realize that I am able to adapt to situations that are new, challenging and intimidating even if I am doubtful of myself. It has also helped me realize that this can apply to anyone, too. While most might not think they’re capable of doing something like rock climbing, they should know that they are able to. My ability to succeed was always the same, it was more so my perception of my ability to succeed that changed. I know others can surpass their perceptions and expectations too, not just with climbing, but in general. I know it’s cliché to say never believe you can’t do it, but the Rocky Mountain Leaders Trip has made me realize just how true those words really are.

Adaptability, perseverance and teamwork are all important aspects of life, as they allow us to adapt to new situations and environments, work through challenges and work with others, all key contributors to both personal and group success. If someone in a group doesn’t have adaptability or perseverance, that can also hinder how well they work with their group members. Similarly, since everyone inevitably works with people very different from them, they have to adapt to their work styles in order to figure out how to achieve success by working together. Now that I am more confident in my ability to adapt to new situations, I believe I am more prepared for when I am met with these in the future, as well as adapting to changing circumstances. I am now much more confident in my ability to enter into new situations, and I know that that confidence will also help me in team settings when adjusting to the way others work. Overall, this trip has helped me develop confidence in my ability to adapt to and persevere through challenges and in working with others, which will help me achieve my academic, personal and career goals by making it easier for me to trust in my own abilities, build mutual trust with others to have shared success and setting realistic goals that make me all the more satisfied when I surpass them.

Through The Rocky Mountain Expedition Program, I engaged in mountaineering and climbing activities to test and build on my leadership skills. We spent several days hiking and climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park to train for the ultimate challenge: summiting Longs Peak.

During this expedition, I realized how much I have missed the outdoors. I used to spend so much time outside as a kid, camping every weekend in the summer with my family. But as I have grown older, and especially since starting college, I have gotten too busy to go on outdoor adventures. This trip also increased my self-confidence and showed me that I have the ability to do anything I set my mind to. Lastly, I tend to go through life either stressed or bored. When I have work to do, I stress out but when I have no work I get bored. And while it is good to have breaks and be bored sometimes, I learned that I should have more fun and have a positive outlook on life.

Spending ten days in the beautiful outdoors made me realize how much I have missed the amazing smell of the woods and the sense of accomplishment when I reach the top of a hike or climb. While school and work are important, they should not consume my whole life and I should be able to go outside more often. I never would have realized how much I have missed the outdoors without this trip. I tend to get so caught up in my responsibilities that I forget about the things I love to do and usually just stay inside getting work done. But I should make time for myself and get back to exploring the outdoors.

While it can be grueling, being able to push myself to take just a few more steps allowed me to discover both my physical and mental strength. I tend to doubt myself in school and work, but through this trip I found my strength and confidence. Hiking up Longs Peak is exhausting. It is six miles of non-stop steep hiking with climbing and scrambling at the very end. In order to reach the top, you must be in good physical shape and mentally be able to push yourself even when you really want to stop. By getting to the top of Longs Peak, I proved to myself that I am capable of anything I put my mind to. My self confidence has increased significantly and I plan to use this in all aspects of my life.

One of the girls on the expedition is incredibly positive and hyped for anything. On the other hand, I tend to be quiet and keep to myself. During the expedition, this girl always had a smile on her face, even when everyone was in pain. During our short breaks she would make everyone laugh and give off a crazy energy that made everyone feel more energized and motivated to complete the hike or climb of the day. She empowered me to look at even grueling tasks in a positive way. I want to be able to give off infectious energy just like her to be able to better motivate others, something I think is key to being a leader.

Moving forward, I want to spend more time outside and do the things I love. I think that this will make me much happier and I will have a more fulfilling life. Additionally, I am going to use my recently improved self-confidence in all aspects of my life. I especially want to feel confident during job interviews. I am graduating in the spring and will need to find a job relatively soon, so being confident in my abilities and knowledge will help me get a job I really love. Lastly, I want to improve on my leadership skills, which was the goal of this expedition. I aim to be more positive and energetic in the future which will also help me get hired and hopefully show my boss that I am a strong leader. Supervisors look for people with good leadership skills when hiring and promoting people. So the skills I have learned on this expedition will help me greatly in my future career.

This July I spent two weeks on the Big Island of Hawaii on a conservation education trip. It was led by wildlife biologist and researcher Brooke Friswold who previously spent five years on Oahu working with seabirds. We spent much of the time camping in the backcountry in order to experience the native Hawaiian landscape without the influence of the commercialized tourism and resorts that have impacted much of Honolulu. In addition to hiking and swimming, we got to participate in invasive species removal, cleanups, and lectures provided by rangers and environmental workers. 

The trip was honestly incredible, but it also came with a lot of challenges. I found so much endurance within myself that I didn’t know I had, both physically and mentally. It’s so important to be exposed to experiences that push you outside of your comfort zone so you can grow and change from them. I found myself enjoying them so much more than I expected. I also noticed that I became much more aware of the wildlife interactions and the natural environment during the trip. Humans have had a tremendous detrimental impact to much of the ecosystem. I realized how important it is to be self aware of my own impact to try to negate or counteract the negative effects that I create in my everyday life. 

Firstly, we were always active throughout the trip. I enjoy being outdoors and hiking, but some of the hikes were more difficult than anything I had done before. In Particular, we went backpacking on the Ka’aha trail in Volcanoes National Park. This trail was about four miles to the coast. The first 2.5 miles from the trailhead were down a steep cliff face. The path itself was only about a foot wide and was on crumbling, sharp lava rock. It switchbacked down the cliff, and it was incredibly difficult to maneuver this trail with all my belongings on my back as well. You had to make sure your footing was stable with each step. I don’t think it’s exaggerating to say it was a bit treacherous in some spots. The last 1.5 miles to the coast was across a flat, uneven, shadeless shelf of pillow lava. After swimming, we hiked back again towards the cliff and slept under the stars as there was nowhere to pitch a tent. Before sunrise, we ascended the cliff in a mere 80 minutes, in what is usually a three hour stretch. 

We had to carry all our provisions on our back, and under the tropic sun with no shade, water was rationed. It was certainly a strenuous experience, but I’m so happy I got to do it. We had to be on survival mode for those days that we were backpacking, and I gained those life skills because of it. I had to push my body more than I ever thought possible, but the exertion made me realize how much more capable I am than I realize. Ascending the last 0.5 mile stretch of the cliff made me tap into a perseverance I didn’t know I had. Most of all, it was amazing to see the cove off the cliff that is pristine due to the inaccessibility to the location. 

Besides the perseverance aspect of this transformation, this trip also helped me change in ways that will help me in my future career. Much of native Hawaiian wildlife is in a perilous state due to human influence such as habitat degradation and invasive species. I knew coming into it that invasives were an issue, but it was actually astonishing to see how much invasive flora and fauna have taken over the island. Most of the plants and animals you saw were nonnative. It really opened my eyes to the ecological crisis that this incredible place is experiencing. I got to participate in invasive species removals, in which we pulled out invasive wild ginger and other prevalent invasive plants. Even though the impact is small, it’s still nice to contribute to the health of the island that we were visiting. Another absolutely incredible experience was swimming with sea turtles. We snorkeled in five different locations, and I saw green sea turtles at three of them. The turtles would swim right up to you when snorkeling without a care in the world. They would get so close, it was magical to see these creatures in the wild and see how they were not the least bit skittish or frightened. Instead, we just existed in each other’s space. 

I took this trip under the Leadership category in STEP because I am a wildlife and fisheries major and this trip was focused on both the terrestrial and marine ecosystems in Hawaii. The weeks I spent there I got to see so many amazing endangered species and learn about their life history and how they are managed. The hiking aspects were also lessons in field work as a lot of environment job require backcountry hiking to access natural areas. This will be an invaluable experience that will translate to my future field of wildlife and aquatic conservation. However, the trip brought much more than practical skills. It created an appreciation for these precipitous ecosystems and how vital it is to allocate money and effort to their continued survival.  

During my step signature project, I participated in a synchronous online yellow and white belt training for the Six Sigma program. This program taught me how to view, in my case, manufacturing processes from a data-driven perspective. This was a 24-hour class broken up over 4 days; during those days, we had lectures and group breakout room sessions.

After completing the live online course, my entire view of manufacturing changed. Before, I had viewed manufacturing as a rigid way to produce parts from raw materials. However, after the training, I viewed manufacturing through a much more fluid lens as an ever-changing business process.

In addition, before the training, I had never looked at manufacturing from a data-driven and statistical viewpoint. However, after training, I gained a stronger grasp on the role that statistics play in optimizing a manufacturing process. Finally, I also learned a lot of the language that is used in industry to communicate how well manufacturing processes perform.

When looking at the learning that took place during my class, there were many key moments that led to the transformative aspect of my project. For example, we went over a real-life industry example about a car manufacturer looking to improve a small part of their process. But in the end, the project ended up costing more than the savings from the process improvement. This made me think about projects that I’ve worked on in my own life and whether they were worth it from a financial perspective.

Another event that changed my perspective was the group Six Sigma activity that we completed using Zoom breakout rooms during class. There, we broke down the process of making a cup of coffee. Then, we used the tools from our Six Sigma training to find ways to improve that process. This was eye-opening to me as I initially thought that it wasn’t possible to improve such a simple process.

Finally, we had a unit on waste in manufacturing processes. Before the training, I thought of waste from a traditional perspective, where waste was simply wasting raw materials. However, we broke waste down into different categories. In turn, my perspective changed to seeing any storage of materials as waste because excess production ultimately hurts a company.

In the end, my goal is to work as a manufacturing engineer after I graduate. In setting this goal, I need to have the correct tools to give me the best chance of success. By taking this course and completing my STEP signature project, I’ve given myself valuable tools that will prepare me for success in the workforce and my personal life. Understanding processes from a data-driven and statistical perspective is difficult, but through this course, I’ve gained a solid foundation in those skills.

Below is a great graphic that describes a key part of my Six Sigma training. This graphic is from the SSDSI Blog if you would like to read more about DMAIC (which is a problem solving tool we use in Six Sigma)!

For my STEP Signature Project, I decided to pursue a certificate in phlebotomy through the Ohio School of Phlebotomy. This certification program was structured as a 7-week course consisting of lectures and lab work. Classes were held for 4 hours, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, on Mondays and Wednesdays, where 2 hours were dedicated to lectures on anatomy, standard precautions, venipuncture techniques, HIPPA, common tests, and purposes, as well blood components. The remaining 2 hours were dedicated to lab work, where students would perform AC draws, syringe draws, butterfly draws, and lancet blood collections. To pass this class, students needed to pass the final exam and final lab practical. To become a nationally certified phlebotomy technician, students needed to pass the National Healthcareer Association exam given on the last day of class. Once I passed every component, I was given a certificate from both the Ohio School of Phlebotomy and the National Healthcareer Association.

From the moment I matriculated into college, I knew I wanted to become a physician. In terms of scholastic endeavors, I had completed a lot of the unspoken medical school checklist items, including research, volunteering, leadership, extracurriculars, etc. Capability-wise, there was one barrier that I needed to overcome for the sake of my sanity in graduate school: my aversion to venipuncture. Not only did I despise getting my blood drawn, but I also hated watching other people get their blood drawn. Venipunctures are one of the most important procedures in medicine, so I needed to get over this fear in some way. After I enrolled in the STEP program, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity for some exposure therapy as well as fulfilling my need for clinical experience. I went from being completely petrified of blood draws in week one to masterfully extracting blood from my colleagues in week seven. Therefore, I learned that with time and effort, I can overcome my most intense fears and worries, I just need to have a little confidence in myself. Additionally, succeeding in this class showed me I have all the right values and traits to become an excellent doctor, I just need to maintain faith in myself.

Engaging in this class provided me with a unique opportunity to connect with individuals hailing from diverse walks of life. Each student in the course held distinct motivations for pursuing a phlebotomy certificate; some sought to secure their financial stability, while others aimed to deepen their understanding of the healthcare sector. Witnessing such vastly different reasons converge towards a shared goal was truly intriguing.
The level of dedication and focus demanded by this course was remarkably high, underscoring the fact that the journey to becoming a phlebotomist is anything but simple. This realization served as a poignant reminder that the path to success in this field requires unwavering commitment. However, it was within this pursuit of excellence that I gained a profound insight.

Through the lens of this experience, I recognized that each individual within the healthcare domain possesses inherent value. Regardless of one’s credentials or role, no one stands as superior or more significant than another. This perspective shift illuminated the intricate tapestry that is healthcare – a collaborative effort where each thread, no matter its hue, contributes indispensably to the final masterpiece.

Moreover, immersing myself in this class allowed me to appreciate the vast spectrum of aspirations and backgrounds that converge within the realm of healthcare. The aspiring professionals I encountered were a testament to the multifaceted nature of the field. Some were driven by personal necessity, while others were fueled by a thirst for knowledge. This mosaic of motivations reinforced the idea that every individual’s unique journey enhances the collective narrative of the healthcare community.

The journey I embarked on when I enrolled in the phlebotomy certification program at the Ohio School of Phlebotomy has been nothing short of transformative. As a junior in college with aspirations of becoming a physician, this certification experience has provided me with invaluable insights into the medical field, solidified my commitment to the healthcare profession, and equipped me with essential skills that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors.

Through lectures that delved into topics ranging from anatomy and standard precautions to venipuncture techniques, HIPAA compliance, and the significance of different blood components, I was able to grasp the intricate web of knowledge that underpins this critical field. This foundational understanding has not only enhanced my academic perspective but has also deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of patient care and diagnostics.
The lab component of the program was a truly transformative experience. Engaging in actual phlebotomy procedures, from AC draws and syringe draws to butterfly draws and lancet blood collections, allowed me to translate theoretical knowledge into tangible skills. The initial nerves I felt when handling medical instruments and performing procedures were gradually replaced with a sense of competence and confidence. This transformation was particularly significant as it symbolized the shift from a theoretical observer to an active participant in the healthcare process.

Moreover, this certification experience has illuminated the importance of empathy and precision in patient interactions. Through the hands-on lab sessions, I learned not only the technical aspects of phlebotomy but also the significance of compassionate care and clear communication. I came to understand that each venipuncture is more than just a medical procedure; it’s an opportunity to ease patients’ anxiety, establish trust, and contribute to their overall well-being.

Looking ahead, this transformation holds immense value for my future aspirations as a physician. The foundational knowledge and practical skills I gained during this certification program will undoubtedly serve as a solid platform upon which I can build my medical career. As I proceed on my journey towards becoming a physician, this experience will remind me of the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care.

In conclusion, my certification experience in phlebotomy has been a remarkable journey of growth and self-discovery. It has shaped my understanding of the healthcare profession, cultivated my technical skills, and reinforced my dedication to making a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. The transformation I’ve undergone during these seven weeks has solidified my passion for medicine and deepened my conviction to pursue a path that allows me to contribute positively to the well-being of individuals and communities alike.

Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project.

My STEP project involved leading an eight-week summer spiritual development program for college students from various colleges in Ohio. My role involved planning events, meals, and excursions, as well as giving talks, meeting with students, and helping other participants in their roles as small group leaders. Beyond that, there were also less official duties such as making sure people were staying involved, staying engaged, and dealing with issues as they came up.

What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project?

One of the main things I learned during the course of the summer was the nature of working with people directly. In all my other jobs there were different types of people but I was still mostly worried about myself and doing my job. With my position here I felt a lot more duty to be intentional with my interactions with other people, and I could see how those actions impacted the other participants.

With that, I also got a much clearer view of the impact that community has on people. We all make decisions based on our community, experiences, and facts. While we may not like to admit it, our community is almost always the most influential piece in decision-making. Seeing this firsthand made it easier for me to believe. I could tell people it is important to make time to read our bibles, but it was always a lot more impactful when I myself woke up early to go read my bible in a common area.

What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you?

The first thing that lead to me having this realization was a training session that talked about our worldview and what influenced it. The main influences were revealed to be community, experiences, and facts/information. Then it was revealed that community is the most influential aspect of our worldview. The purpose of this session was to say how, as christians, we should not keep our christian friends and world separate from our non-christian friends and world.

Keeping this in mind over the next several weeks I was able to make mental connections in my mind about why I do things, as well as able to put this into practice in the small community of the other program participants. One thing I thought about was how I got into practicing memorization of scripture. I had been taught that it was important, but I never really valued it a lot in my life until I was around a community of people that also practiced it. In a sense, I was leaning on other people.

Using this to my advantage, I challenged a group of guys to memorize an entire psalm in one week, and I myself also participated. I also set up a time in the mornings where lots of people could come and just read their bibles around each other. This proved a lot more effective than just saying that it was important to do these things.

Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life?

Internalizing this truth is going to be valuable for the remainder of my time at college, as well as in my professional life. Understanding what shapes my worldview and behaviors, as well as what shapes other people’s worldview and behaviors can be extremely useful information. 

Professionally, if I want to pursue ministry, then discipleship of others will be a big part of my job. Based on my summer experiences, it is clear that it will be more useful to commit to just practicing spiritual disciplines alongside other people, rather than just saying how it is important. Which is very different from how a lot of the world functions today. Usually it is a high-up manager who simply says how things are to be done, and it is for the lower level workers to do/ignore those tasks. My future goals are higher than being ignored by others, and so I need to be willing to practice what I say.

Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project.  

For my STEP signature project, I got my personal training certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Last fall, I took the Buckeye Prep PT class at the RPAC and attended weekly small group sessions where we did hands on work on exercise technique and critique. At the conclusion of the prep course, I studied more on my own and took my exam.  

What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? 

While completing my signature project, I learned that exercise can be used as medicine and that being physically fit can help with more than your physical wellness. Personal trainers and fitness instructors have much more impact on people than others realize. Exercise comes with preventative health measures, improved cognitive function, and overall higher quality of life.  

With this project, I learned that I could do a lot for someone as a personal trainer and the meaning behind simple movements like a warmup. Many people overlook small things in the gym and do not realize the huge impact that comes with it.  

 What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you?  

The small group sessions during the Buckeye Prep PT course helped me interact with others and see the impact I can make on people. The group leaders were very insightful and helped me with materials that eased my preparation for the exam. I was given access to an abundance of information through people who are current trainers and learned from their experiences and the gratification they get from the people.  

Another activity that helped me were my peers I would study with who were also going through similar test preparation. It was very helpful to bounce ideas and study with others to see their views and understanding of information on health and fitness. An important lesson that many people do not think of in personal training is motivation and the power of others’ presence.  

With people you are more motivated to reach your goals and gain a support system. Through the people during the test preparation, I gained a great support system of people who wanted me to succeed, and I plan to be that support system for others in the gym to get them to their goals of living a healthy long life.  

Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life?  

This project was valuable to my life as I am an exercise science major. With my major I have learned a lot about health already and the meaning behind it, but now with my certification I now have the correct accreditation to give people advice and insight on how to get to them to their goals in the gym. I enjoy the gym and everything that comes with it and want to share my passion with others. A great way to get people into the gym and create a healthy change starts with a knowledgeable leader. 

My future goal was to initially become a physical therapist and to obtain my specialization in orthopedics sports medicine to work with athletes. To give me a step up from others and stand out I was going to get my personal training certification, which I did in this project, and then my strength and conditioning specialist certification. This personal training certification will have set me up to prepare for my strength and conditioning specialist certification and ultimately set me up for my previous career goal. Although my career goal is no longer to be a physical therapist, with my certification it still helps me in my new career goal to help implement health protocols to all populations because athletes are the only ones who deserve to live a healthy, high-quality life.

My STEP Signature Project was a leadership endeavor where I chose to attain my Clinical Medical Assistant Certification through the National Health Association. This certification exam has eligibility requirements which include completing a medical assistant training or education program within the last 5 years, so I decided to use my STEP funds to purchase a course through Cengage Learning and Widener University that included Medical Terminology, Medical Assisting, textbooks, and a voucher/study guide for the NHA exam itself. This course also provided the opportunity to help me find an externship post-course completion and become CPR certified as well.

When I began pursuing this signature project, I was unsure how project this would help me gain leadership or why it was in the leadership category. After completing the course, passing my NHA Exam, and now getting hired as a Medical Assistant, I see the way my confidence has grown and how the leadership aspect comes into play. I began working on this course during the school year, as finals were coming up and I definitely found a new dedication and perseverance as I had to work on this course multiple hours during the week along with clubs and schoolwork. I am grateful to know I have that drive because it also showed me that I will be able to balance working as a Medical Assistant during the school year. 

Another way my view has changed after this project is my understanding of the medical field. I have always wanted to go into the medical field but never had any hands-on clinical experience. This course taught me about becoming a medical assistant and also showed me the day-to-day activities I would be completing. I learned not only how to be great at my job, but also about the techniques I would be using every day including phlebotomy, injections, and about medications. Having the desire to go into the medical field and actually working it in while having the knowledge to do so are two very different things and I am proud to have the leadership and capability to be a Medical Assistant. 

Some key interactions that developed my leadership skills and confidence are finding my program, having the time management to complete it, shadowing after passing my exam, and finally my daily life as a medical assistant. Before I began searching for this course, I did not know how I would complete the clinical hours that I desired for PA school. Without STEP, I most likely would have waited until graduation to look into this process and this would have delayed my decision to apply to PA school by at least another year. Taking control of finding a course and earning these hours during the school year is an accomplishment that I now pride myself on. I wanted to find a course that would fit into my budget, teach me everything I would need to know, but also be able to complete it in a timely manner. I researched and called numerous universities to find which program would work best for me before finding Cengage’s. 

My next hurdle was sticking to the schedule to complete the program by the end of July. I dedicated 6 hours 5 days a week to taking notes, working through the modules of my program, and giving timed practice tests to prepare for the NHA exam. During April and May, when I was doing this along with school, I often found myself waking up earlier or staying up to make sure I completed the hours I wanted to for the day. It was difficult to stick to this routine as the end of the semester can get busy, but I eventually make it through and stuck to my goal. After the semester ended, I was able to dedicate more time to finishing the course and doing my research on the exam. The NHA CCMA exam is a three-hour proctored exam, so I was thankful to have a couple of weeks to prepare. 

After passing the NHA exam on my first try, I saw the value of the course and was thankful to have picked one that would properly prepare me for the exam. I began immediately applying for jobs and shadowing opportunities after receiving my results to take advantage of the summer time that I have free. This proactive decision allowed me to shadow multiple practices ranging from family medicine to allergy practices. After shadowing Avina Women’s Care OBGYN Practice, I felt great support from the team and they were extremely welcoming. I received a job offer at the end of July and began training immediately. Avina was wonderful because they were happy to train me as I had no prior experience and after working there for a couple of weeks, I have gained experience drawing blood, taking vitals, giving shots, and interacting with patients. I would not have had the chance to find such a compassionate workplace where I could start from scratch and become the medical leader I strive to be. Since starting, I learn new skills daily and have met such an amazing team of medical assistants and doctors who not only teach me but also give me great advice and support my learning. I work with medical assistants who are wonderful fellow leaders to look up to and are also looking to apply to PA school and it is an amazing feeling to have this new community. 

This transformation is extremely significant for my future career path as a Physician Assistant because I am looking to attain 2,000-3,000 hands-on clinical hours with patients before I began my application process. Completing this course with Cengage will also help me currently in my academics because I major in Health Sciences and multiple topics covered in this course such as pharmacology, infection control, and insurance claims are a great basis for what I will learn throughout the school year. I am so thankful for this experience because I see it as a stepping stone for my career and a way to make me stand out in the future. I would not have been able to complete this opportunity and earn these clinical hours with the STEP program. I have also developed personally because of this experience as it taught me how to manage my time better and have the confidence/calming aura of a medical professional. 

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Certificate – CCMA

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. My STEP Signature Project involved gaining scuba diving experience and completing three diving certifications: Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diving. The purpose behind this project stemmed from my passion for space exploration and desire to contribute to future training efforts for manned spaceflight. Astronaut training involves a significant amount of scuba diving in order to simulate the effects of low-gravity, and therefore obtaining diving experience is beneficial for this field.
2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Completing these scuba certifications was truly a transformative experience that allowed me to analyze my training, leadership, and future goals in a new light. First, I became familiar with the safety procedures and preparation required for diving, and accumulated more experience through the completion of each certification. Each dive has allowed me to improve the skills of neutral buoyancy, proper equalization methods, and equipment handling. Second, communication skills and teamwork were largely developed through this experience, as both are essential for completing a successful and safe group dive. Between planning dives, ensuring each diver is clear on the objectives beforehand, and implementing correct diver hand signals underwater, direct communication and flexible leadership is key. Finally, I learned a great deal about myself and ways in which I can grow when taking on a challenge and it has confirmed my passion for exploring. I am excited to not only have a new hobby but to also have the ability to now pursue this aspect of training in preparation for my future career goals.
3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you?

Each diving course that I have completed thus far has involved new knowledge and opportunities to apply skills to different types of dives. The most transformative experience I had was during the completion of the Advanced Open Water course, which I did during the end of October 2022. The course involved a weekend of diving and tent camping at Gilboa Quarry in Northern Ohio. The first of the two days covered three dives, one being a night dive. The air temperature was very cold at this point in the year, and since we were training in wetsuits, we had to be mindful of quickly removing the wetsuit once out of the water so as to not freeze. Taking off and putting back on an icy wet suit several times throughout the day was incredibly challenging, however, it motivated our group to continue pushing through the weekend. Even though the night dive was especially cold, it was a really unique experience and ended up being my favorite dive I have completed thus far.        

During the second day of training, I completed a deep dive and a dive for navigation practice. The deep dive was especially challenging due to the temperature in the deeper parts of the quarry, which was approximately 54 degrees F. I would be spending at least forty minutes underwater and had to be extremely mindful of my safety procedures and communication with my dive group, as we were diving to 70 feet. At one point during my descent, I experienced multiple issues simultaneously with pressure equalization, my mask filling, and my regulator falling away from my face. Having not experienced this before, I began to get overwhelmed and realized I had descended much faster than I had intended to. At this point in the dive, I was able to recognize the need for critical decision making and took one step at a time to correct the situation. I first waved my hand through the water to find my regulator, replaced it so I could breathe, then ascended slowly until I was able to equalize pressure in my ears. I cleared my mask, breathed through my regulator, and regained control of my equipment. I completed the remainder of the deep dive, and upon exiting the water, I felt an immense sense of accomplishment. I can still visualize the events of this dive very clearly, and it sticks in my mind as an experience where I overcame stress, cold conditions, and an unfamiliar situation. This experience has helped me to remain calm in chaotic situations and know how to critically think through each necessary step of any situation. It has also given me confidence in future dives, knowing how I physically react to pressure differences and being prepared for unusual circumstances to arise. I am also able to apply this to rescue diving, as this training utilizes a diver’s ability to be alert and observant to their surroundings, and thus I am able to be more of an asset to my diving team by knowing how to recognize hazardous situations and being able to act efficiently when they occur.            

Diving with Columbus Scuba also gave me an opportunity to meet incredible people who are passionate about exploration. I spoke with many of the instructors and fellow divers through each weekend of camping, hearing their stories and past experiences. Some had been cave divers, forensic divers on crime scenes, and rescue divers training with a local fire station group. Each group had valuable stories and guidance. The instructors specifically demonstrated genuine care and leadership by showing patience with me and the other divers, explaining procedures thoroughly, and reminding the group that due to the safety and health implications, anyone is able to bail out of a dive plan for any reason. Now, I try to apply these leadership tactics especially with leading teams at OSU, as I have seen firsthand how much of a difference a confident yet compassionate leader can make within their team. These lessons will not only assist my current leadership roles at OSU, but will carry far into my future career.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life?

The transformations I experienced through learning to scuba dive are applicable to many current and future aspects of my life. Short term, this training has allowed me to pursue a new activity and provided more opportunities for exploration, especially when traveling. I am excited to use these new skills in unique locations and get to discover interesting marine life. I first got to experience scuba diving through a training session at Space Camp in high school and have always wanted to pursue it as a hobby. I am looking into future dive trips with Columbus Scuba and am excited to pursue future certifications. I am also meeting other divers and learning more about the unique opportunities that come with diving. The knowledge I have gained about physiological responses to diving, rescue procedures, and CPR training will benefit me in my plans to pursue a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. Also, the leadership tactics and communication skills will benefit greatly in my current role as an engineering project leader and in future leadership positions. 

Long term, diving will be extremely valuable in my career endeavors. I am becoming familiar with diving practices and adjusting to the pressure changes underwater specifically to prepare for future space flight training. In addition to astronauts who are involved in these testing procedures, it involves a support team, safety divers, technical experts, and an entire team of engineers to coordinate the spacewalk training. By gaining diving experience, I am gathering foundational knowledge that I hope to one day apply to these research efforts for human exploration. 

Below is a picture of my Open Water training, and a picture of the group beginning their descent during the night dive.

Please refer to the updated website at: https://u.osu.edu/stepinternships22/2023/07/30/step-summer-2023-internship/