My step signature project helped fulfill a lifelong goal of mine to go scuba diving. This involved several classes, and four certification dives at the end. SCUBA training is mostly preparation and safety techniques to ensure nothing goes wrong during a dive.

I became a more confident person during my step project, and it helped me discover my goals. After I completed my certification, I was more open minded towards new challenges and opportunities. Facing adversity in such a unique way was empowering and reinforced my sense of self.

Something I wasn’t expecting coming into my project was the difficulty of the certification dives. Throughout the class, we had learned and practiced the skills we would need in to be certified. These were all done in a pool 1 on 1 with an instructor, and although I had some difficulty with some skills, I was always comfortable and quickly mastered them.

The certification dives were very different than practice sessions though. The water was cold, around 60 F at depth. This necessitated thick wetsuits, and I had different gear than in the pool. Still, I could deal with cold water and was confident in my ability. When we got out to the dive platform and started to descend though, my feelings changed. Visibility was extremely poor, roughly 5 feet. We were going deeper than we could in the pool, and between the pressure, temperature, and barely being able to see the divemaster, my anxiety shot up.

The skill I had the most problems with was flooding/removing my mask, putting it back on, and clearing out the water. For me it was a huge mental battle to continue breathing as water hit my face and nose. I started to panic and breath heavily, the urge to shoot up to the surface and quit was unbearable. But I had to remember that as long as I can breathe and stay composed, I will be ok. So I took my time, slowed my breath, sat there, and continued the skill. This happened to a lesser extent during later skills, but I was in control the entire time.This was a big lesson I learned to believe in myself and stay composed. All I needed to do was to remind myself that I could do it, and I was able to complete my certification.

This picture is of my sister and I. We were able to get certified at the same time which was an awesome experience, and I know we both appreciated having somebody we could lean on during the certification.

Learning to scuba dive truly reinforced what I wanted to do with my career. I always wanted to be a marine biologist as a kid, and while I am pursuing different fields now, it is still related. Being able to spend longer amounts of time underwater and interact with an environment I love made me sure I still wanted to study those environments as a biologist. It gave me the confidence to continue on this path and I can take some of the risks I need to fulfill my dreams.

My STEP project was geared towards obtaining my Private Pilot Certificate. I took flying lessons 2-3 times a week and have done some home study as well. I worked with my local flying club to setup a plan for me to complete it by the end of this year.

Taking flying lessons completely changed my perspective of the world, both literally and figuratively. Being able to fly to so many different places in a smaller aircraft allowed me to see breathtaking views of landmarks that very few get to see. I had a much greater appreciation of the Earth we live on after seeing its beauty from above. I can sometimes be guilty of taking what I have for granted, just as many others do. I valued every minute that I was flying and look forward to the next time I get to. Flying taught me to not only be grateful for every moment we have on this planet, but also to look around once a while and relish the things we have.

Additionally, I was able to better understand myself, my capabilities, and best learning styles. Learning to fly is not an easy task, so I had to adapt to a more rigorous and faster paced curriculum. I was persistent in getting the majority of my flying completed before coming back to school, so I had to be dynamic in my ability to learn information and perfect it on the spot. Throughout my journey, I found myself improving with each lesson. I realized how to maximize my performance under stressful situations.

I had many interactions that contributed to the transformation that I described. I was put in so many different situations with the aircraft that all required different solutions. Like I discussed above, this forced me to change my thought process and determine the best possible antidote to each problem.

The relationships that I made with my instructors and members of the Williamson Flying Club were vital in my success during this project. My instructor provided unparalleled support and was able to adjust his schedule to fit my limited time home. He taught me to be patient, follow procedures, and adapt to all situations in a timely and safe manner. I made connections in the industry with members of the club that I hope will help propel me in my career in the future.

Several events, such as my first solo, flying into a towered airport, and doing cross country flights showed me my true capabilities as a pilot. It really did feel like I could do anything at that point. If I could fly an aircraft unassisted, then my world of possibilities just opened up vastly. I will never forget those events and how they greatly impacted the transformation I had during this project.

This transformation is a significant step in my academic and professional career. Obtaining my pilots license has always been an aspiration of mine, but also a way to set myself apart in the aerospace industry. Applying the knowledge I gained from real world experience to a design and build job will be vital. I think I can provide a perspective that few are able to have.

Not only did this project positively impact my professional career, it also allowed me to achieve a long time goal of mine. Flying is something few have the pleasure of doing, so being able to accomplish it is a major confidence booster. I have always been fascinated by flight and have a general enjoyment in traveling and seeing the world. The completion of my pilots license will allow me to go places I’ve only dreamed of going before.

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.

I obtained my state tested nursing aide certification. I took a nurse aide class that fulfilled the 75 hours of classroom and clinical requirements for individuals to become eligible for taking the state competency exam for state tested nurse aides. I learned skills of how to help patients and residents with activities of daily living, catheter care, perineal care of females and males, how to take vital signs, range of motion stretches, and more. Being enrolled in this program to complete my STNA helped me work at Cleveland Clinic Mercy for the summer as a Patient Care Nurse Assistant.

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

Through completing this STEP Signature Project, it helped me realize I am meant to work in healthcare. Ever since I was younger, I was interested in working in healthcare one day. As I grew older, I began taking pre-med classes which challenged me and made me wonder if I was cut out for this field. I wondered if I was passionate about it or if I just liked the idea about it. During my clinicals, I loved interacting with patients and realized all the work I am doing to one day become a provider in healthcare is more than worth it. During this STEP Signature Project, I also realized how much of an impact I make as a healthcare worker and how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to assist patients and interact with them.

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? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP

My first week of my Nurse Aide class at Absolute Health training, we were told we as aides will be with patients the most out of any healthcare worker in a hospital or long-care living facility so we will be the ones who can make the biggest impacts. In the back of my mind, I thought “yeah okay”. In class, we were taught how important language is when interacting with patients, body language and verbal language. We taught the importance of acting with empathy and not pity. We were also told this will come naturally to some people and unnatural with others.

Throughout this summer of my project, I worked and interacted with hundreds of patients. Patients with many different backgrounds, ages, diagnoses, etc. I have learned to interact with patients young and old. I have learned how to communicate with patients who cannot verbally communicate back to me. At first, I struggled to communicate with my first patient who could not verbally communicate with me. However, after practicing using a communication book with her with images of things she may be asking for and practice reading body language of someone who cannot verbally communicate, I got the hang of it. I was able to grow patience and allow patients time to communicate what they need me to do for them.

Before this summer, starting this project, I had not stepped foot to work in a hospital setting before. Previously I have been a home health aide and from time to time volunteered behind the scenes in hospitals. With that said, I was not prepared for the fast pace of the hospital. On a every day basis, I had to problem-solve in the moment. I witnessed a handful of patient falls and I had to act in the moment, yell for help, get the patients vitals, assess if they are breathing still, etc. I learned how to stay calm in extreme stressful situations. I also witnessed death for the first time of one of my patients for this summer. On the inside, I wanted to cry and I felt sick to my stomach. However, I had to be there for the family, stay calm, and after the family left I had to clean up the body. I had to learn how to emotionally detach myself when needed.

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

Being a provider in the future will be no easy job. When communicating with patients patience and acting and speaking humility will be important. There will be times where I will need to share bad news with patients and patients families. There will be times I may unfortunately lose a patient in surgery. Being able to stay strong and keep those hard emotions in will be important so I can support my patients and their families. As I am specifically interested in becoming a surgical PA, there will be times where me and the other surgeons will need to work as a team and problem-solve in the moment if the surgery is not going as planned. Becoming a nurse assistant has been a great stepping stone in my career that has exposed me to the medical world and has allowed me to practice skills that will be essential in my future career.

My STEP project was completing a 200-hour yoga certification program. As part of the specific program I pursued, I learned the physical poses of practice, the anatomy used for practicing, the history of yoga, and breathing techniques. I also was able to teach a class at a local yoga studio and practice teaching with many of my friends. 

The meaning of the word yoga is literally to unite the mind and body together. Because of this, although yoga can be a vigorous physical practice, it should also challenge one’s mindset. It likely also includes internal reflections throughout the practice that elevate the overall benefit. As part of my training, we worked a lot on being able to tame negative thoughts- for instance, we were instructed to meditate at the beginning of each day. Before this training, I had not focused on this aspect of my practice before and learning how to reflect and enjoy the experience of doing yoga, and not thinking about all the other things I needed to get done, was an eye opening experience.

In addition to changing my view of yoga practice as a whole, I also discovered a few things about myself outside of my yoga practice as well. I am a very hardworking student and do not often find time for hobbies during the school year. Being able to allocate all 200 hours towards this program, something that I am really passionate about, was an incredible accomplishment for myself. I also pushed myself outside of my comfort zone by tackling public speaking throughout this process. 

The program that I pursued was unique in the fact that it had students ranging in ages from fifteen through sixty three. The class was in person, but there were students that came from over an hour away. It was from this large variety of perspectives that I was able to better understand my practice and myself. Towards the beginning of the program, the teaching focused a lot on why each of us were pursuing yoga certification. Hearing everyone’s different stories reminded myself why I am so passionate about yoga and assisted me in being able to complete the program.

One specific exercise that we did that was eye opening for myself was when we were teaching assists for students. Especially in balancing poses, it is important not to push a student too hard and allow them to meet you (as in the teacher) to where they are comfortable. A lot of the other trainees and I were having difficulty knowing how hard to push our students. I think that this activity is reflective of many people not understanding how much to push themselves outside of my comfort zone. Through doing this activity, I think it assisted me in better understanding when to push myself academically versus allowing myself to have more free time. 

Finally, being able to actually teach classes since the program still as a trainee has been a wildly eye opening experience. I was able to find my voice as a teacher and, I hope, this will help me in the future with other public speaking endeavors. Comparing to the beginning of the program when I worried about introducing myself to the class to being able to teach a packed room of strangers was great growth. 

Since the program, I have even reached out to a few of the older other students for advice on how to use the skills that I learned in my yoga practice to help me with my personal and professional goals. I was able to discuss with one of the students her experience coming out of Ohio State and pursuing a career in the health field, of which I am interested in. We discussed how we both were similar in pushing ourselves academically, but not finding enough time to do things that we enjoyed outside of school. Talking through our similarities, we came to the conclusion of finding the benefit in using yoga practices (calm breathing, internal reflections, etc.) to balance the workload with having fun. 

My EMT certification project was a comprehensive, 11-week training program that equipped me with essential skills and knowledge for emergency medical response. This project encompassed various activities, including obtaining CPR certification, learning to administer specific drugs within my scope of practice, gaining proficiency in ambulance operations, deepening my sense of compassion for patients, and honing my ability to make rapid, informed decisions based on observed medical signs. 

Throughout my EMT class, a profound transformation occurred within me. I entered the program with a basic understanding of emergency medical procedures, but as I progressed, my perception of the world and my role in it fundamentally changed. I realized the immense responsibility and privilege of being an EMT, and this awareness reshaped my view of healthcare, compassion, and community service.

Several pivotal aspects of my EMT certification journey contributed to this transformation. Firstly, the hands-on experience of administering CPR and handling drugs within my scope of practice challenged me to confront the urgency and gravity of medical emergencies. Operating inside and outside an ambulance exposed me to the dynamic nature of the emergency response and taught me to adapt swiftly to different situations. I completed the class and passed my national registry exam with nine other students. Each and every one of them helped me and each other along the way, and I am more than grateful and honored to have been their classmate. Not to mention the excellent and just some of the best instructors I have ever had; they have been the most significant part of my experience in this program that helped me gain confidence in the new skills I have learned and how to be a better professional healthcare worker. 

Moreover, I had the unique opportunity to complete a 12-hour ride-along with Critical Care Transport, which proved to be an eye-opening experience. During this ride-along, I gained a more realistic understanding of using EKG and capnography in a clinical setting. I also learned the intricacies of utilizing the cot, an essential piece of equipment for patient transport. These practical skills are invaluable for delivering high-quality emergency care.

Another significant aspect of my training involved visiting multiple hospital emergency departments, including Doctor’s West, OSU East, Lewis Children’s Center, and others. In these settings, I had the privilege of engaging with patients directly. I conducted patient assessments by taking detailed medical histories, discussing past medications, and carefully evaluating the onset of pain and other symptoms. These interactions allowed me to delve into the complexity of patient care, understanding not only the medical aspects but also the importance of effective communication and empathy in the healthcare process.

Additionally, during these hospital emergency department visits, I witnessed a wide array of patients’ reasons for seeking care in the ED. This exposure to diverse medical cases broadened my understanding of the scope and impact of emergency medicine. I also had the opportunity to observe medical procedures such as intubations, where patients received oxygen more directly, and the interpretation of CT scans by skilled technicians. Witnessing patients being bagged with oxygen for manual ventilation further reinforced the critical role of teamwork and precision in emergency situations. These experiences provided me with a comprehensive view of emergency medicine, emphasizing the importance of not only clinical skills but also the ability to collaborate effectively in high-pressure situations.

This transformation is immensely significant and valuable in my life. It not only deepened my commitment to pursuing a career in emergency medicine but also enhanced my ability to contribute effectively to society. The CPR certification and drug administration skills are not just professional qualifications but life-saving tools that I can utilize in emergencies. Furthermore, the profound sense of compassion I developed for patients has made me more empathetic and patient-centered in my approach to healthcare. 

This transformation aligns perfectly with my academic, personal, and professional goals. I aspire to become a physician in the future, and my EMT certification is a crucial stepping stone on that journey. By choosing to become an EMT during my undergraduate years, I am proactively seeking to gain valuable clinical experience and a deeper understanding of emergency medicine. This experience will undoubtedly provide me with a unique perspective as I pursue a medical degree, enabling me to be a more compassionate and skilled physician.

Additionally, the transformation I underwent during my EMT certification reinforces the importance of qualities such as compassion, adaptability, and quick decision-making, all of which are essential not only for success in the medical field but also for my personal growth and future career as a physician.

This past summer, I utilized STEP funding towards flight training to become a professional pilot. I flew daily out of the OSU airport with an instructor and earned my instrument rating and progressed halfway through my commercial pilot’s license. My instrument rating allows me to fly when I am unable to see visual references outside the aircraft, and my commercial license will allow me to get paid to fly. Both of these are necessary to have in order to work for an airline.

Earning your instrument rating is considered to be one of the hardest tests that a pilot will take in their career. The test involved a 60-question written test, an extensive oral exam, and then a practical exam in the aircraft. Furthermore, a pilot should not have more than one failure on one of these tests if they want to go and work for an airline. I learned to be confident in myself and not be doubtful of what I am capable of. I tend to be a nervous test taker and find myself to be very stressed, but I learned that I should think positively.

Flying through the summer was very beneficial to me because I was able to log a lot of flight hours as compared to the semester. Frequent flying has proven to be beneficial towards me because I am constantly seeing similar material over and over again. This helps me retain the information and apply it to flights where I fly solo. Learning how to fly an instrument approach in conditions where you can’t see the runway until you are only 200 feet above the ground changed my view of the aviation industry. There is a lot of risk associated with this profession, but learning the curriculum through Ohio State has taught me that I am capable of whatever comes my way.

Some of the most notable interactions that I experienced during my STEP Signature Project came from communication with ATC. ATC consists of the Air Traffic Controllers that watch our plane on radar and tell us which direction to fly and at what speed. They are also in charge of clearing a pilot to land and approach the runway. I was frequently communicating with new controllers learning new terminology that is crucial to know in the aviation industry. Some controllers had more patience than others, but it was very important that I understood what they were telling me to do and returned the message back to them correctly. This taught me great multi-tasking skills, as I had to efficiently pilot the plane, navigate the route, and communicate with ATC simultaneously.

A relationship that I fostered during my STEP Signature Project was with my flight instructor. I learned a lot from him throughout the course of obtaining my instrument rating and beginning my commercial license. This is an important relationship that a flight student should have because it ultimately effects the outcome of your training. I was fortunate enough to be assigned to an instructor who I am able to co-pilot with efficiently and learn a great deal of information from. My instructor was very successful in teaching me how to successfully prepare myself for the test to earn my instrument rating.

The changes and transformations that I found myself experiencing this summer throughout my project are very important because they are determining factors for how my career will turn out. Pilots are tested very frequently on their capabilities to perform tasks, and learning from a good instructor on a consistent basis is how I find myself to retain the knowledge best. Being able to consistently fly and communicate with new air traffic controllers was one of the highlights of my project. It has been a dream of mine to be an airline pilot, and the opportunities that STEP provided me with throughout this project are very important to the successes in my life.

My STEP Signature Project was a 12-week Leadership Training (LT) program that took place at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO. Alongside 50 other LT participants, I lived on grounds at the Y and worked a full-time job at the craft shop; I worked with other seasonal employees and international students from a vast array of countries. Twice a week after our shifts I participated in equipping sessions, and on one of our off days I participated in a full day of training and equipping in a smaller subset of LT staff and participants called Community Groups.

While completing my STEP Signature Project, the way in which I view leadership and what I value about leadership was greatly transformed. I have always been someone who pursued leadership positions in various organizations because I grew up with an understanding that that’s just what you do. You participate, you move forward, and you lead. During my sophomore year at Ohio State, I followed this pattern and apprenticed to lead a small group in my church. As I met with my mentor, I discovered that leading a small group was causing me a lot of stress and anxiety. My mentor helped me to process and continue to lead through the stress, but I never unpacked why it was increasingly difficult for me to lead.

In Colorado, I was placed in a leadership role with a group of four women in LT. Like my sophomore year small group, I was initially very anxious about leading. Through the LT program and equipping sessions with my mentor staffer, I began to unpack the root of my stress around leading: I was motivated to lead by the pursuit of the approval of the people I was leading. I put my worth as a leader in the external validation I received, so much of my headspace around leading was spent trying to facilitate conversation to perfectly accommodate and serve each person, something that cannot be guaranteed, nor should be the motivation of leading. With my staff mentor, I processed where my worth laid as a leader, and began to shift that worth to how I could point the women in my group to other sources of insight, how I could challenge them to consider their worldviews, and how I could be an example of humility. I discovered that when I took myself out of the mental spotlight, I was able to lead from a much less anxious and more sacrificial headspace.

Since LT is a Christian program, a lot of my community within LT was people who shared similar worldviews with me; this community was very beneficial and fostered a space for me to grow in my faith and leadership. A specific example of transformation within the LT community was through my weekly meeting with an staffer named Emily. In our meetings, Emily and I discussed the small group I led weekly; she regularly challenged me to take a step back and analyze where my pride and motivation was in leading. I began the summer putting a lot of worth in what my group thought of me and how effective of a leader I was, but I grew in viewing my leadership to as an opportunity to serve and love my group, prioritizing their growth over their approval of me.

Similarly, an impactful relationship this summer was with another LT participant named Natalie. Natalie held the same leadership role as I did with a different small group, and we were able to talk about our groups as we worked and lived together. I learned so much from Natalie’s perspective and approach to leading. She had led in different capacities back on her college campus, and she viewed leadership as a very valuable investment in her community, but not something that defined her. She had high hopes for how she could walk alongside the women in her group but didn’t place her worth in their approval. Processing with Natalie allowed me to see an alternative perspective towards leadership and to adapt and grow from her experiences.

Additionally, participating in LT entailed working alongside people from all over both the country and the globe. Each person I worked, ate, and lived with came from a different background and brought insight from diverse life experiences into our interactions. A few of my coworkers at the craft shop were from Colombia, and I was able to learn about their upbringing and university experiences. I was able to better understand what they valued based on the community they grew up in, expanding my capacity to empathize and share in their values. This helped me to consider that the things I find valuable in a leader are not the same as everyone else, and that leading is always an opportunity to adapt and meet people where they are at.

As I return to Ohio State, I have no doubt that the way I view leadership will continue to grow and adapt. I now am stepping into a small group leader role within my church, and I view it as a worthwhile investment of my time and energy to serve and better understand the women in my group. I look forward to learning what they value and considering ways I can adapt as a leader; however, I am going to be intentional in not putting me worth in how much the women like the way I lead. In doing so, I will be more present, steady, and others focused. This summer, my STEP Signature Project exposed my pride and motivation for leading, and quite honestly it was incredibly humbling. I hope to move forward and lead for the sake of those I am leading rather than myself.

The growth and self-understanding I have gained will continue to be valuable as I take the role of a STEP ambassador, continue to lead on the Student Dietetic Association board, and eventually when I pursue research and my master’s degree to become as dietitian. Each organization, lab, and community I am a part of will hold spaces where I can step up as a leader, and I look forward to doing so for the sake of those I am leading.

My Community Group!

The small group of women that I led this summer!

1. For my step project, I obtained my phlebotomy certification. Over the course of three weeks, I got 40 hours of in person training, along with bookwork instruction. I learned the proper way to safely withdraw blood so that my patients are always in good hands. In addition, I learned how to properly communicate with patients to make them feel as comfortable as possible.

2. Becoming a certified phlebotomist was a transformational experience for me. This was the first time I had ever carried out a procedure on a patient. After graduating from The Ohio State University, I plan on going to graduate school to get my masters in anesthesia. Throughout this field, I will frequently be drawing blood and placing IV’s. Therefore, this patient care experience I received not only taught me how to do important technical work for my future career goal, but also solidified that I chose the right career path.

I absolutely loved this course and realized how important my attitude towards the patients makes them feel more comfortable. My leadership and communication skills were really able to come out during this class. To practice our blood drawing technique, we would withdraw blood from each other. Although this was very scary at first, I realized how much more comfortable I felt when my peers were friendly, confident, and kind towards me. As a result, I quickly picked up on these important skills and was able to successfully make my peers feel the same way. My understanding of myself completely changed through this process as I was able to see that in a patient care setting, I have exactly the right skills needed to make my patients feel comfortable. This gave me the confidence that I have chosen the right career path and I can’t wait to work hard to accomplish my dream of being an Anesthesiologist Assistant.

3.​ The key aspect in becoming a certified phlebotomist was the hands-on practice that we got in this course. For ten straight days, we had two hours of book learning and two hours of learning in the lab. For me, the learning in the lab is what made this experience transformational. I was able to learn the proper technique to withdraw blood by practicing on my peers. This allowed me to understand the communication skills needed in a patient care setting. I was shocked by how quickly I was able to pick these skills up which boosted my confidence tremendously.

In addition, the relationship I was able to gain with my peers in only a short 10 days was amazing. Everybody was so hardworking and had a similar interest in medicine. This made the course way more enjoyable and now I have good friends to reach out to for questions that may come up about phlebotomy or anything patient care related. My teacher in this course was also amazing and said she would be more than happy to help us find a job in phlebotomy or write a recommendation letter which will certainly be helpful in the future.

Lastly, on the final day of this course we took a written exam on all of the lecture material we learned. I was impressed by how much knowledge I gained in the field of phlebotomy in such a short period of time. We learned many new ideas like the order of draw, safety violations, etc that will be essential when I get a job in the medical field in the future.

4. This transformation is valuable for my life because my future career goal is to become an Anesthesiologist Assistant. Throughout this field, you are constantly drawing blood, giving IV’s, and most importantly trying to make the patient feel as comfortable as possible. This course gave me the confidence that all my hardwork in my rigorous classes at school will pay off because I am so passionate about the medical field. In addition, this class forced me to be detail oriented, especially under pressure. This is certainly essential in the medical field because there will often be times where you have to make decisions on the spot. By gaining hands-on experience of phlebotomy, I developed the essential qualities and skills needed to be successful in my medical career in the future.

For my STEP project I took part in a 3 week pre-law fellowship through the Lex Fellowship Program in Washington, D.C. during the summer of 2023. There I visited different law firms each day for hands-on experience with diverse cases, fields, and lawyers in the D.C. metropolitan area. Additionally, I was able to draft and participate in oral arguments, case studies, and group debates with others in my cohort. Lastly, I underwent legal training for 2 hours a day to study 1L courses, completed LSAT exercises, and sat in on court hearings in the municipal court. 

Beyond the legal studies and educational aspects of the trip, however, I was able to gain a new understanding of myself and the world around me. Growing up in a small town in northern Ohio, there wasn’t much diversity or city to navigate. I grew very comfortable with my close-knit community and never felt the need to step outside of that bubble until I decided to live in Washington, D.C. for a month. During this trip, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and gain necessary self sufficiency skills that will help me in the future. Additionally, I was able to network with a diverse group of students from across the world and lawyers from various fields of law in the D.C. metropolitan area. Upon arrival, I quickly recognized how comfortable I was with independence and navigating the city. While the experience was daunting at times, I ultimately felt that this was the best opportunity for me in order to adapt to a new lifestyle and venture out of my comfort zone. 

Throughout the program, my cohort and I underwent a series of excursions and projects that deepened my relationships with others and helped me become more self-sufficient. For instance, we had to navigate the public metro throughout the city to get to the law firms each day. From there, my peers and I were split into teams to argue a side on a relevant case. By the end of the program, we had each researched and presented our own oral arguments for a side on our assigned case and grown closer than ever in the process. This not only helped advance my legal writing and critical thinking skills, but enhanced my ability to collaborate with others in a professional setting. 

Even outside of the workplace, my peers and I had opportunities that helped acclimate us to the big city. I initially was hesitant about venturing into the city with complete strangers, but everyone was very welcoming, and by the end I felt comfortable taking the train with them from Washington, D.C. to New York City. During our scheduled free time, we got to explore the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the Tidal Basin, street markets, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and Union Station. I can confidently say that each of these experiences opened me up to new perspectives alongside a diverse group of people. While all of this sounds enticing and fun, there were many curve balls thrown at us that we were forced to work around. Whether it was getting caught in a storm or getting lost on the metro, there was always an opportunity to learn. 

 I would not have been able to grow so comfortable in the city without the support and friendship from the others in my cohort. Stepping out of my comfort zone was challenging, but immersing myself within the program opened me up to something I never would have learned otherwise. Even the little, mundane activities like wandering the street outside Capitol Hill, living on Catholic University, and collapsing on the couch at the end of the day with my friends were fulfilling. My time in this fellowship has allowed me to meet people from various backgrounds and foster friendships that I feel will last a lifetime. These relationships were enriching both personally and professionally. 

Ultimately my STEP signature project in Washington, D.C. summoned a newfound confidence within myself. I never thought I would be as adaptable and outgoing as I proved to be during this fellowship. Whether it was a fast-paced work setting or leisure evening on campus, I felt I was able to thrive in any social setting, which was refreshing since I usually consider myself an introvert. Because of my experience in this program, I have a different outlook not only on the outside world around me, but on myself as well. This fellowship helped me realize all that I was capable of. Perhaps the person that I thought I was wasn’t the totality of everything that I could be. This is the biggest lesson that I will take back with me to Ohio State as I continue to pursue my career in the legal field and reach new heights. I cannot thank the STEP program enough for nudging me along in this program and helping expand my perspectives on myself and the world around me.