Coronal Polishing for Dental Assistants

The main component of the Coronal Polishing class was to learn this new skill and how to apply previous experience as a Dental Assistant to this skill. I learned ergonomics and proper patient education with polishing.  

       When I made the decision to actually sign up for this class and submit my proposal to step, I was very nervous because this meant having to take on more responsibility at work and also more liability because I would be working alone, and not directly next to the dentist like a regular dental assistant. I knew that with more liability, chances of making mistakes, not to mention potentially harming the patient in any way, was way higher and it could even lead to me losing the job I have currently. In the weeks before the class, I was very nervous, knowing the risks and also not feeling the most confident in myself. I know that I am not that outgoing and it takes a lot of confidence to do even the smallest things. The day of the class, I felt very behind because I happened to be the only left-handed person there and was usually the last to finish the hands-on lab portions of the class. After actually completing the course and getting to go to my job and present them with the certificate, seeing my manager’s excitement and my coworkers’ confidence in me, I began to think, if I can do this in one hands-on learning experience, I can do tons more in longer amounts of time.

One of the best parts of my project was partnering up with one of the other girls in the group and hanging out with her for the entire time. She was a very skilled dental assistant and the office she worked at gave her lots of confidence. Getting to talk to her and learn about techniques I didn’t know was very helpful. A lot of my confidence increase was also due to her letting me know that she also failed at certain things and it only took her a little bit of added practice to learn the things she hadn’t mastered in the beginning of her job. 

I have always been someone who doubts myself and is afraid of putting myself out there. Prior to this project, I got very little sleep because I had anxiety about me failing the test of forgetting to bring my scrubs or my other required materials such as lab coats and closed-toe shoes. Due to my nervousness, even in college I have found myself reluctant to reach out to other students or even professors. Doing this experience, I have gained more confidence in myself and also feel like I’m not alone in feeling like some things are too hard to achieve. While I know that there are some things I would not be fully invested in and won’t put effort into, I know that there are lots of options for me to learn more skills and know that having confidence and knowing I just need to put myself out there will help me build more relationships and connections, along with moving up in professional goals.

DEN_-_Coronal_Polishing_Wall_Certificate__20241209

STEP: Commercial Pilot Certification

During this past semester I completed my STEP experience of earning my commercial pilot certification through The Ohio State University flight school. For this project, I completed flight training lessons, ground training lessons, FAA and Ohio State aviation exams, and self study sessions from August to December in preparation of my commercial pilot exam. With the help of my instructor I was able to complete the training course and pass my commercial pilot exam and am now allowed to fly people or cargo for hire.

This project spanned a few months with the end goal of being able to gain a deep and intuitive understanding for how to control and manipulate the aircraft. It involved higher order thinking skills being applied to the art of flying, which was an intellectually stimulating process that taught me a lot about how to think about concepts and ideas that I interact with. Having my view of aviation go from zero to where it is now has certainly affected the way I view myself and the way I view many things in the world now, as I have shifted to viewing everything I don’t know as still on the table to be discovered. There were no eureka moments that forced me to realize this change, instead this new mindset and slightly different worldview is a result of multiple hours of discussion with my instructors and other students and even more time of self-reflection and consideration of aviation topics in my own mind. The community I have found in aviation has developed to a point where I feel it is a safe and uplifting place where people are celebrated, and I think the positivity combined with the culture of hard work has slowly made me into a better person. I find this valuable as we all need to be constantly changing. Change can be the product of a negative experience, but I find that more often change is the result of gaining new information in a healthy way. It is impossible to go about your life and move forward without constantly gaining new information through feedback, lived experience, and new research, so change is a normal process that indicates development and growth. I think we should always be open to change and considering how we have changed, and should always be critical of ourselves in healthy ways. I believe this experience allowed me to do all of that and I am delighted to have gone through the process the way I did.

Post-Project Reflection: Cell Biology Conference

For my STEP project, I chose to attend the American Society of Cell Biology’s major conference, Cell Bio 2024 in San Diego, California. This event brought together cell biologists from around the world to present and discuss their research. While there, I attended many research talks and posters, and talked to trainees about their work.

This was the first conference I attended outside of OSU. Thus, my perspective on the science being conducted around the world was expanded. Seeing the wide range of topics in cell biology helped me place the importance of the research that I was doing in the broader context of the field. I was able to gain insights and ideas for my current research project, but also research that I may want to conduct in the future. I developed an appreciation for the sharing of knowledge and collaboration that can happen at these conferences, which makes me excited to be part of the field. For myself, I learned that I have a keen curiosity that will make me a good scientist in the future. Ultimately, I was proud of myself for pursuing something that I wanted to do, and stepping out of my comfort zone by talking to new people and not being afraid to ask questions.

The poster sessions were where I learned the most about myself. They gave me the best opportunities to talk to PhD students and postdocs one-on-one. I discovered my own scientific curiosities by asking specific questions about people’s research at the posters that I saw. Realizing this aspect about myself solidified my confidence that I can be a good scientist in the future, by being able to think beyond my own understanding while concurrently using my knowledge to provide people with different perspectives on their own research. Each person that I talked to was so kind, and even tried helping me with my own difficulties in my research project. They suggested papers/reviews that I could read, or other people that I could talk to, which ultimately created a network of experts related to my subfield of lysosomal biology. Additionally, I saw some interesting posters that were only loosely related to my current research but would be interesting topics for me to study in graduate school.

The talks were a fascinating way to learn about ongoing research from the people leading the projects. I remember being fascinated by one talk that played a movie of an RNA granule hitchhiking on a lysosome to reach the end of an axon, solidifying my interest in live cell imaging, organelle dynamics in neurons, and potentially applying to graduate programs at the NIH, where this lab was. The talks also exposed me to research that I was not previously aware of or interested in, but sparked a newfound interest in me, especially talks related to the mitochondria which is not something I currently study. Listening to all these talks reminded me how complicated cell biology is and how things loosely connect, yet still how difficult it is to understand certain diseases due to this complexity. Generally, the talks gave me an appreciation for the mysteries of cell biology, and sparked some more ideas of where I may want to apply to grad school, and even what specific labs interest me the most in this field.

Surprisingly, the people that I met at the conference also impacted this experience for me in a wonderful way. I expected to navigate the conference alone. However, I serendipitously met another undergrad who had applied to graduate schools this cycle and learned about the application process from her. Additionally, I met an industry research associate and graduate students from the University of Calgary and UC Santa Barbara. From them, I learned what graduate school is like at different schools and had the opportunity to have scientific discussions with them about what we were learning from the conference.

Ultimately, this experience was significant for me because it signifies the beginning of my future. Conferences are a large part of a scientific career, and being able to experience one at this stage in my career solidified my desire to be a scientist. My participation, conversation, and thinking throughout the conference enhanced my confidence in myself as a future cell biologist and gave me ideas about what and where I want to study in graduate school. My experience at this amazing conference makes me excited to attend and present at future meetings and contribute to the fascinating field of cell biology.

STEP: Dental Assisting Certification

During the autumn semester of 2024, I completed a 10-week dental assistant certification course through Accelerated Academy in Columbus. This program offered a blend of rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical training, equipping me with essential skills in patient care, dental procedures, and office management. Earning this certification has not only strengthened my dental school application but also provided practical experience critical for excelling in the dental field.

Completing my STEP Signature Project was a transformative experience that reshaped my self-perception and deepened my understanding of the dental profession. Before starting the program, I doubted my ability to thrive in a fast-paced and demanding environment. However, through mastering skills like radiology, patient care, and office management, I uncovered a resilience and adaptability I didn’t know I had. Applying these skills in real-world scenarios boosted my confidence and reinforced my belief in my capacity to overcome challenges.

This program also expanded my understanding of patient care. Initially, I assumed technical expertise was the cornerstone of dentistry, but my clinical experiences emphasized the importance of empathy, communication, and attentiveness. Observing seasoned dental professionals build trust and alleviate patient anxieties revealed the impact of compassionate care. This realization inspired me to adopt a holistic approach to dentistry—combining clinical precision with a focus on patient well-being. I now aim to contribute to a practice that prioritizes inclusivity and a positive patient experience.

Several key experiences during my project were instrumental in my growth. The hands-on training in a clinical environment was particularly impactful. Working directly with patients and assisting dental professionals exposed me to the realities of a dental practice, from managing patient anxieties to executing precise procedures. Tasks such as taking accurate radiographs and performing chairside assisting required focus, technical skill, and effective communication. Successfully navigating these moments fostered confidence in my abilities and deepened my appreciation for the complexity of dental care.

Mentorship from experienced dental professionals also played a vital role. Observing their techniques and patient interactions provided valuable insights into delivering compassionate care. Their guidance, combined with constructive feedback, helped refine my technical skills while emphasizing the importance of empathy and patience. These lessons shaped my understanding that dentistry is as much about human connection as it is about clinical expertise.

Building relationships with my peers was equally transformative. Collaborating with others who shared similar aspirations created a supportive environment where we learned from one another. Working as a team during training exercises highlighted the value of diverse perspectives and mutual encouragement. These connections underscored that growth is often a collective process and that a strong support network is essential for success.

The certification process itself was a milestone that solidified my transformation. Studying for exams, demonstrating practical skills, and ultimately earning my certification required discipline, perseverance, and attention to detail. This accomplishment symbolized my readiness to pursue dentistry and reinforced my commitment to the profession.

The transformation I experienced through my STEP Signature Project has been pivotal for my personal and professional growth. Gaining confidence in my abilities and a deeper understanding of the dental profession has strengthened my commitment to becoming a dentist. The hands-on training and certification not only enhance my dental school application but also provide a strong foundation for my career.

On a personal level, this experience has changed how I approach challenges and opportunities. Developing resilience and adaptability has boosted my confidence in tackling complex tasks, a mindset that will serve me well in dental school and beyond. Moreover, learning the importance of empathy and communication has enriched my interpersonal skills, enabling me to build meaningful connections with patients and colleagues. These lessons have equipped me with the tools to pursue my goals with purpose and ensure I am prepared for the rewards and challenges ahead.

Pharmacy Technician Certification – STEP Project Reflection

My STEP Signature Project was becoming nationally certified as a pharmacy technician. Over the course of the summer, I worked as a pharmacy technician at CVS Pharmacy. I spent 30 to 40 hours each week working hands on in the pharmacy gaining hands-on experience. I continued to develop skills in communication, customer service, patient interactions, problem solving, collaboration, and time management. In addition to my time spent in the pharmacy, I spent 5 to 10 hours each week studying for the PTCE, Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. I worked through calculations, test bank questions, and medication flashcards. At the end of the summer, I registered to take my PTCE on October 17, 2024.

Prior to my project, I began my work as a pharmacy technician trainee in May of 2023. I went through 120 days of extensive training and 40 hours of online training. In 2024, I took my registration exam and became registered with the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. I knew I wanted to continue my education as a pharmacy technician and pursue a job where I could obtain direct patient care experience. Additionally, my work as a pharmacy technician has contributed to my continuing education at Ohio State. As a health sciences major, many of the classes I take involve patient care, education, medical terminology, etc. I have also been able to work towards completing my pharmaceutical sciences minor. The classes I have taken for my minor have aligned with my work experience and allowed me to apply pharmaceutical concepts in and outside of the classroom.

After passing my exam and earning my certification, I realized that there weren’t many certified pharmacy technicians my age. Most young adults retain careers in retail settings, food services, or have internships/careers pertaining to their major or interests. At the pharmacy I work at, I am one of three certified pharmacy technicians and also the youngest. Many of my coworkers have chosen not to pursue certification because of the exam’s difficulty and time commitment for studying. In addition to studying outside of work, technicians also have to obtain at least 300 hours of pharmacy experience prior to applying to take the exam. It made me realize that there were several potential barriers to take the exam in addition to being a college student enrolled in full credit hours. My understanding of myself has changed knowing that I can do hard things by empowering myself and using my resources. I have the ability to overcome obstacles that may come my way, some before they even happen. Becoming a certified pharmacy technician has also increased my confidence in my role and given it a greater sense of meaning. My work as a pharmacy technician is not merely counting and bottling pills, it is so much more than that. I have been able to form meaningful relationships with my managers, coworkers, and customers who have become regulars. I look forward to going into work knowing that what I’m doing matters and is making a difference in the life of someone else.

Throughout my work as a pharmacy technician, I have not come to know just the job I do, but the people I work with and interact with on a daily basis. I have been able to see firsthand the impact my work has on others. One story I will never forget from the summer was when a man came in to consultation. The man’s parents didn’t speak English, but they needed to learn how to apply and use a continuous glucose monitor. I talked to the man directly and he translated what I was saying to his parents. I was able to show the parents how to apply the monitor and download the app onto their phones. For about 30 minutes, I worked with the man and his parents. While someone else could’ve seen it as a mundane task, I was able to directly see the impact I was having on the man and his parents. I was able to not only teach them how to care for themselves, but how the man who could care for his parents if he needed to do so. I have had various patient interactions, positive, negative, and neutral. However, the only ones I remember are the positive ones. In addition to interacting with patients, I have been able to further my professional relationships with my managers and my coworkers. I have learned how to be a better collaborator, work with a team, and delegate/pick up tasks as needed to enhance productivity and workflow.

In addition to the relationships I have developed, earning my certification as a pharmacy technician has strengthened my skills and confidence. I have continued to excel in my work has a pharmacy technician with a greater understanding of patient care, safety, state laws, and how the pharmacy is run. My skill set has deepened and allowed me to complete tasks in an accurate and timely manner, communicate efficiently, contribute to a team, and collaborate well with others. Prior to my certification, I was not nearly as confident in my skills as I am now. I don’t need to rely on others for assistance or reassurance. With my certification, I have become more confident in my abilities and independent in my work.

My certification as a pharmacy technician has contributed to my academic goals. As a health sciences major with a pharmaceutical sciences minor, the pharmacy experience I have gained has allowed me to excel in my classes. I have a greater understanding of healthcare settings, how they work, patient care, patient safety, and patient education. In addition to understanding concepts, I have a deeper understanding of real world healthcare issues pertaining to pharmacy. Firsthand, I have been able to see how prescription drug costs and accessibility affect patients. It has inspired me to continue my work as a pharmacy technician and contribution to healthcare in the future. I am driven to be a part of the change in healthcare.

My coworker, Vicki, and I posing after our last shift together.

PTCE Certification

My pharmacist, Al, and I.

 

STEP into SCUBA

My STEP Signature Project was getting SCUBA certified over the course of 2 months. This was in two parts, with an enclosed pool practice and training followed by an open water query dive in Bowling Green, Ohio. This experience allowed me to open my options to underwater engineering and get the basic training of being able to be calm while dealing with a bunch of other activities underwater. 

Prior to this project, I would watch SCUBA divers on social media and envy they had this certification to explore the ocean. I wanted to always get SCUBA certified and I thought this project would be a perfect opportunity and I was even more inspired to pursue this after learning about marine engineering since not many exist and I could combine my degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering with my curiosity for the ocean. Once this project was completed, I realized why there wasn’t many marine engineers and decided that a career in that field wasn’t something I’d be very interested in anymore since it takes an immense amount of physical and mental stress to learn the basics of SCUBA diving, then on top of adding some sort of very detailed task, sounds impossible. 

When in the classroom, we were taught how to handle the basic equipment, what it was used for, and how to read it properly. Furthermore, we were tasked with learning how to put it together, how to test the devices together and how to discover faulty equipment. This first lesson made me excited to get into the water the next day. However, the second time we went to the classroom, we were taught about the dangers that may come from not learning the proper technique such as breathing, reading your pressure gauge correctly, decompression stops, and being able to keep calm during a stressful situation. One of the lessons specifically pointed out the dangers that could happen from not constantly breathing underwater, especially at depths that are lower than 20 meters. This is because the air that we breathe out the tank is mixed with nitrogen, which will shrink if pressure is increasing but inflate if you are decreasing pressure. Due to this, having that nitrogen being held in your lungs will ascend could be detrimental to your health as the bubbles could pop your lungs, or move to your head (causing your head to explode). This frightened me as the instructor said that when we do some tasks we aren’t aware that we are breathing or not, so the first rule in the water is to always breathe. So, if I were to do some type of engineering underwater, it would be an added mental stress to remember to breathe while simultaneously doing a specific task that may require a lot of focus.  

Transitioning into the pool gave me hope that I would enjoy this as we were in a more confined space with multiple instructors watching us. However, little did I know this part would be difficult as well as we had to do various emergency response drills. While first getting in, we had to learn the proper way to put on our BCD, which is the vest that hosts the tank along with multiple other items that are needed to dive with. This part was easy, and being able to swim underwater and breathe made me feel like I was in a dream, since I’ve always imagined doing this. But, then we were taken into smaller groups where we then had to work on emergency situation scenarios that then made me more uncomfortable to pursue a career in marine engineering. One of the main points were issues with your tank and regulator, where we had to take it out of our mouths and blow little bubbles since it’s not good to hold your breath, then retrieve it, clear it out, and then breathe again. Another one was learning how to handle if your goggles fall off or get water in them, which was one of the hardest tasks for me. To carry out this exercise, we had to fully flood our goggles with water and only breathe out of our mouths, then blow through our nose to push all the water out so we could breathe and see again. Unfortunately, this took me multiple tries as I kept breathing in the water through my nose which stressed me out and caused me to immediately go to the surface. While doing all of these, I kept on thinking how this would happen if I was a marine engineer and how I would have to handle these possibly while working on equipment with tools or having my hands occupied. 

For the open water dives at the query, it really solidified my decision. We had to perform 3 and 4 dives per day, with only about 1-2 hours between each so the residue nitrogen could dissipate. From the pool, we learned a little bit of buoyancy, but during these dives, we really had to use it as there were platforms, obstacles, and rocks that we had to maneuver around since this query was made for the purpose of SCUBA diving. Since this body of water was more than 20 feet deep, we did have to take into consideration the decompression stops and having to clear our ears and nose from the pressure as we went lower. Furthermore, I was even more stressed about being able to breathe since at these depths it was possible to get the sicknesses that the classroom taught us. Performing the emergency exercises were a little daunting since I was 20 feet below and not just like 6 feet below. Moreover, these dives were long ranging from about 30-55 minutes, and I had to be very mindful of the breaths that I took and would constantly look at my pressure gauge to make sure I had enough air to get me through the dive. All of these factors ultimately killed the idea of marine engineering because learning how to do the basics was already stressful and difficult and I could not imagine adding another aspect to diving unless I was more experienced.

This transformation is significant because it really crossed off the idea of marine engineering or any type of underwater engineering. Going into this project, I was really excited to see what I could make of this with my major such as underwater data centers or fiber optic cables. Once learning all the required knowledge it takes to complete a dive, and the details needed to have a safe and successful dive, I feel that I couldn’t handle all those tasks while doing an engineering job. On the contrary, getting to know the instructors and their personal experiences were invaluable as they talked about the opportunities that being certified can bring and shared some of their unique experiences that diving has given them. Additionally, once I graduate, I would like to travel and visit tropical places and having this certification would allow me to explore the oceans of my destinations which has always been a personal goal of mine.

 

 

 

STEP Post-Project Reflection: Society for Neuroscience Professional Conference

STEP Post-Project Reflection: Society for Neuroscience Professional Conference

            For my STEP project, I attended the annual Society for Neuroscience 2024 conference, hosted by the Society for Neuroscience from October fifth through the ninth of 2024, both in-person and virtually. During my time, I explored large-scale company booths where current developing technologies were presented and advertised. Alongside this, I communicated and networked with seasoned and upcoming professionals in the space of neuroscience research. Finally, I listened, observed and engaged with speakers both directly at presentations and online via live recordings.

            After the exclusive time that I spent experiencing my project; exploring the conference shed light on the real-world application on neuroscience and the future of neuro-based technology. Going into the discipline of neuroscience, I always imagined the community to be on a smaller scale, with a reserved population of both researchers and industrial companies. This was far from the truth as I was able to see in-person the magnitude of scientists, researchers, students and other periphery STEM professionals that were invigorated with what was at the forefront of neuroscience. Not only were the crowds from distance states, but there was also a myriad of people that came internationally to present, learn, and engross themselves in the highly coveted conference. I was astonished with how quickly neuroscience is expanding, both in recognition and areas of interests in the sub-specific regions of the principle. After seeing firsthand the true extent of neuroscience, it led to a feeling of fervor. I was inspired to network, build relationships, whilst gaining true insight into career trajectory and opportunities.

            Taking a step back towards the beginning, when I was first developing the concepts of STEP project was going to look like, I immediately knew that I wanted to be enveloped by professionals to have a minor inkling as to what applied neuroscience meant outside of strictly academia. During time spent with my neuroscience academic advisor, they had mentioned how conferences all over the country were able to bridge the gap between upcoming students and established professionals who have already had years of experience. This gave light to the Society for Neuroscience, as the organization is one of the largest collectives of individuals with a strong passion for the study. I was eager to attend months before the launch of the event, however, it was only days before the opening of the conference that I was my first interaction with another attendee that drove home my enthusiasm. During my flight from Columbus to Chicago, I sat next to an Ohio State alumni, who was involved in neuropharmacology, where they were reviewing their presentation notes of their ongoing research. During our brief time together, we were able to conversate briefly over the topics they were studying, how they got into neuroscience, and what how the large seminar typically goes. This was the first of many interactions that I garnered during my project that bolstered my personal growth

            This then leads to the time I spent during the core of the conference, where lectures, research, technology and programs were being proposed. I’ll be the first to admit that taking in all the information was quite daunting; in some cases, it was slightly overbearing. I felt as if this was one of the biggest factors into shaping the experience something truly unique to myself. One of the first moments of this realization was at the fist lecture held, in a section which was called, “Dialogues Between Neuroscience and Society”. This presentation was held by author and doctor Susan Magsamen, who is empowered by the idea of how the arts and sciences is intermingled into neuro-aesthetics. Without having prior exposure to this niche corner of neuroscience, it was amazing to see the incredible dedication and vast amount of knowledge that Susan showcases. Throughout the lecture, which ended in Susan answering questions from the audience, it was my first exposure to what a true expert in their field was like in the context of professional neuroscience. Hearing what motivates those who have been involved in research and development of cutting edges notions for years, like Susan, is not only inspiring for my own personal growth, but astounding knowing that the community of science is bountiful with such skillful body of people.

            Rounding together the activities that I participated in- meeting with ambitious, likeminded students presenting their research alongside discussions of what kind of technology is being advanced upon with companies of the names: Nikon Instruments, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Abbot and more. I had conversations with advisors, board members, leaders and Ph.D. candidates alike, which gave me a solidified new perspective that I believe I would have not received if it weren’t for the Society of Neuroscience conference.

            It is hard to put into words how transformative my STEP project was for me. Typically, I am not one who is seeks out massive sized events, let alone going into one without much information other than what I had researched on my own accord. The basis of the project encouraged me to move outside of my usual comfortability in conjunction with the conference itself lending to an educational experience that was unlike anything I have gone through previously. The intellectual enrichment from a research proposals, conversations and lectures was a riveting new way of learning for me. I was able to grasp what it means to have a professional voice and identity, which were previous questions that I had even in my third-year student studying neuroscience. As someone who aspires to master the field of my choosing, in this case neurotechnology, it is undeniable that this experience will forever be essential for my future endeavors in science.

            I can confidently conclude that the experiences, conversations, and above all else, insight amongst relationships built from my time at the Society of Neuroscience 2024 conference are non-exchangeable. The basic notion of broadening my mindset by general knowledge by being in the proximity of adroit individuals is undoubtedly something that has transformed my approach to my collegiate goals, however, I also highly valued the advice and wisdom from those who have experienced something adjacent to the situation that I find myself in right now. As a driven student, whom aspires to grow their personal capabilities, ranging from professionalism to self-development in the circumstances of neuroscience, there is nothing that I found more crucial than my time spent forging connections into a sprawling network, all from the basis of my STEP project and the Society of Neuroscience organization.

National Dance Education Organization: Seattle Conference Experience

For my STEP Signature project, in fulfillment of the Leadership facet, I traveled to Bellevue, Washington to attend the National Dance Education Organization Conference. I participated in workshops, attended panel discussions, and analyzed research findings in many facets of arts education. Specifically, the events I opted to attend were majorly focused on how to adapt language to funding divisions, dance as a therapeutic modality, dance at the neurological level (as a function to improve working memory and inter-hemispheric connectivity), K-12 dance objectives and fundamentals, and arts non-profit management.

Through my STEP project, my view towards myself, society, and my degree of knowledge/understanding in both those facets was undeniably transformed. In regards to self-understanding, through my project I gained more confidence in my ability to succeed. I gained advice, perspective, and pedagogical philosophies from many educators across the nation and through this garnering process, my confidence in my ability to succeed in educational practices was improved greatly. Further, my misconstrued assumptions were that I was knowledgeable “enough”. As I am pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and Dance, and focusing my studies on a research-based lens of education, I thought I would have a well-informed grasp on many of the topics. The amount of information available to me was beyond what I could have hoped for, and I am endlessly satisfied with my experience and the connections that resulted.

In terms of my knowledge of society, I would say prior to this experience, I had already possessed skills in self awareness, empathy, and perspective through my psychological studies. The transformation for this realm occurred through a sort of new-found evidence basis. In other words, I am used to a sort of “outside-in thinking”, but I gained knowledge and evidence from first-hand accounts of how one’s environment affects their art and the many dimensions of personal wellness. It is simple to say that a long-held idea needs reformed, but when hearing evidence of injustices of the past, and advocacy for the next steps of how these reformations to the field can occur, it is greatly inspiring and provides hope for the future of education.

Through this experience not only was I able to connect with dance educators and scholars across the nation, but I also was able to connect with current undergraduates, faculty, and alumni from Ohio State University to a different degree than ever before. My advisor for this project, Dr. Nyama McCarthy Brown, was a very helpful guide and mentor through this process. She hosted multiple sessions at this conference, discussing her culturally-sensitive, politically aware pedagogy. Dr. Nyama’s backgrounds in Political Science and Dance Studies allow her to enrich the dance field with awareness of standards reform, equity, all through a lens of intercultural competency. Overall, Dr. Nyama’s advice affected me by enriching, and entirely elevating my experience; Examples of her guidance include discussions/reflections throughout the conference, introducing me to educational academics, and providing well-informed workshop recommendations that support my career aspirations.

Specifically, I attended 10 workshops, and will highlight 3, describing how they notably crafted my transformative experience, and reflect on how I was affected by their content. The first event of relevance was titled “Deciphering Cues of Neurological Processing”. In this workshop, Jordan Wanderer discussed her research in neuroplasticity, neurodiversity, and the concept of amygdala hijacking and how it affects learning and efficiency in a classroom setting. I was affected by this because it was an interdisciplinary approach to my research and educational interests. In other words, it was the “perfect” workshop for me. The major point she instilled throughout the lecture is enhancing inter-hemispheric communication, through certain movement modalities and adaptive dance. Overall, this lecture was fascinating and immensely informative.

Further, from a panel I attended, I learnt about the success of advancing the arts in Lorain City Schools. For some perspective, Lorain, a city in Northeast Ohio, was a struggling district and under State control. Ohio State University doctoral researcher, Helen Buck-Pavlik, analyzed the results of establishing a dance program, and the results were undeniably valuable. A couple of the valuable metrics the panel presented were that once dance was implemented into K-12 student curriculum the following data was received: Positive referrals increased 38%, office referrals decreased 35%, suspensions decreased 13%, and incredibly notably, the graduation rate totaled over 80% for the first time since 2010. These results and this panel was impactful, because it is a clear indicator of the necessity of dance and fine arts in the educational system; the success of Lorain City Schools allowed for their early release from State control, encapsulating the necessity of the arts.

The last of the 3 lectures of focus proposed the efficacy of SEL, or Social-Emotional Learning, in a fine arts environment. Dr. Lyndsey Vader, who holds a doctorate from Ohio State in Dance Studies, led this workshop. Vader shared her teaching philosophies, of which align with transformative SEL techniques. This workshop affected me because the techniques I acquired knowledge of, will be implemented into my pedagogy from this point forward. The competencies of this learning modality are self awareness, self management, responsible decision making, social awareness, and relationship skills. These key factors make a classroom more than a classroom, rather, these factors creat a stable and enjoyable ecosystem. The transformative SEL lens focuses on interpersonal relations, democratic, fair, and inclusive communities, and these descriptions are the sorts of environments I always wish to experience in the educational spaces I encounter.

To put it simply, I have always been interested in education. Educational policy, teaching pedagogy, and having an influential role in students and learners lives is important to me. I still envision myself working in and around the Industrial or Organizational Psychology realm. Forwardly thinking, these career aspirations, while they have not changed, have undeniably shifted from this STEP project. The organizations I wish to work for have become more focused, as I wish to work for arts education and arts administrative entities, whenever and if ever the opportunity presents itself. I am eager to continue my studies with this heightened passion in mind, and tailor my education to cultivate this future for myself.

-Maya Regule

 

 

LCOY USA – STEP Reflection

For my project, I had the opportunity to attend the YOUNGO Local Conference of Youth in Tempe, Arizona, with the purpose of drafting the National Youth Statement on Climate. In mid-August, I was chosen, among others, to represent the state of Ohio by serving as one of the ~140 U.S. delegates to the conference,  who I worked alongside to negotiate and write policy demands regarding the mitigation, adaptation, and financing of climate change and its consequences. Our finalized statement will be sent to local, state, and federal government officials, including the U.S. negotiators at COP29.

 

Attending this conference allowed me to become more confident in my own knowledge regarding climate change and its impacts, and it encouraged me to speak up and share my own opinions and requests on behalf of all young people living in the state of Ohio and beyond. I now have the experience of speaking in front of large groups, and the ability to negotiate and argue on my behalf and on the behalf of others with unwavering confidence and certainty. Attending this conference also opened my eyes to the struggles of other individuals living in different regions of the country, and it inspired me to fight more for the inequities that many individuals are facing as a result of climate change. Prior to attending the conference, I was unsure about my interest in law, politics, and policy, but I am now excited to work toward a career in environmental policy making, especially now that I have made valuable connections in that area.

 

Having the opportunity to meet with over 140 like-minded individuals and being able to engage with leaders in environmental science and policy had a major impact on my academic, personal, and career goals. The collaborative nature of drafting the National Youth Statement on Climate required me to actively participate in discussions, negotiating on behalf of Ohio and the broader interests of youth. This high-stakes environment made me more comfortable advocating for my views and engaging in policy discussions, which will be extremely important in my future career if I continue down the path of international development and climate policy.

One key interaction was with a leader from the foreign aid sector who encouraged me to reach out and learn more about the path she took toward success, with the hope that I could take a similar pathway in my career. Her guidance not only helped me understand the complexities of the foreign aid landscape but also further inspired me to look at careers in the field, which I had already been considering prior to the conference. This personal connection, among others that were created, gave me new perspectives on how I can contribute my own experience in the fight against climate change, especially in lower-income regions of the world. Gaining an understanding of the fact that it is possible to combine my interests of international development and climate change was eye-opening, and honestly, somewhat comforting, knowing that I no longer have to choose between one or the other, but can instead make an impact in both.

Additionally, working closely with peers from various regions and backgrounds helped me appreciate the diversity of climate issues faced across the U.S. We had several debates about regional priorities and solutions, which broadened my understanding of the wide-reaching impacts of climate change and reinforced my desire to advocate for equitable policies. There were some especially interesting conversations, particularly surrounding the use of electric vehicles, that opened my eyes to the amount of complexity surrounding climate change and how to fight against it.

 

This transformation is incredibly valuable because it directly relates to my academic and professional goals of working in the field of international development. By solidifying my interest in environmental policy and climate protection, it has given me a clearer direction for my future career and an understanding of how to reach my goals. I now know that I want to work in a field that combines my interests of international development and climate science, specifically focusing on how policies can mitigate the impacts of climate change for developing regions. The confidence I gained in public speaking and policy negotiation will also serve me well in any future roles that require advocacy or leadership, which is likely to occur given the field I plan to enter.

On a personal level, this experience has made me more proactive and passionate about environmental justice, and it has inspired me to work harder in my fight against climate change, as I now understand how much of a difference young people can actually make. I also feel a greater sense of responsibility to use my voice and skills to make a positive impact, not just for my community, but for those who are most vulnerable in the world of growing climate change and disasters.

 

STEP Signature Project Reflection 

Madelyne Singer  

STEP Signature Project Reflection 

 

  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. 

For my STEP project I completed my 200 hour yoga teacher training at Modern Yoga Cleveland. During my teacher training I attended weekly hot yoga classes to learn different formats of yoga, and to see different teaching styles. I attended weekly training sessions, taught weekly classes, and completed modules about yoga history, anatomy, and physiology.

 

  1. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place.

During my STEP Signature Project, I learned a lot about myself and my view of the world. Not only did I learn how to teach yoga, but I was able to deepen my own yoga practice, grow my intuition, and I learned how to connect with my students. I learned a lot about how to tune into myself and focus on an intention for class. This helped me to better understand myself because it allowed me to take a step back and focus on how I’m feeling when I step onto my yoga mat. Throughout my 200 hour training I was able to develop into a well rounded yoga teacher. I have made so many improvements and changes in my personal practice, as well as with how I teach.  

During my yoga teacher training I expanded my view of the world through learning about yoga history as well as by learning how to connect with my students who all come from different backgrounds and cultures. I learned and practiced how to deepen my intuition as a teacher and to feel out what my class needs while I’m teaching. A lot of the time this involves getting to know my students, learning about their lives, their culture, and why they are coming to my yoga class. This better understanding of the world, and my ability to get to know my clients and personalize their yoga class is also very beneficial as a nursing student, where I need to get to know my patients, and understand their backgrounds and cultures to be able to provide patient centered care. 

 

  1. 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 Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.

I made so many meaningful relationships with other yoga teachers as well as students at the studio I trained at during my STEP Signature Project, each of which taught me something new about teaching, as well as my own yoga practice. Activities such as teaching a weekly donation class, and attending training sessions helped me to grow in my ability to personalize the classes I teach to my students, so I can make more meaningful connections with them. My interactions with my students, as well as learning about the history of yoga, helped me to learn more about the world by learning about different cultures and the origins of the practice of yoga. 

One of the yoga teachers I worked with taught me that every time you step onto your yoga mat you need something different. She taught me that yoga is a meditation, especially vinyasa yoga, which is when you synchronize your movements into yoga poses with your breath. Deepening your breathing practice along with practicing yoga poses allows you to tune into your body during your practice. If it wasn’t for my amazing relationships that I created during yoga teacher training, I would not have been able to experience the transformation I did in deepening my intuition.

Throughout my training, I participated in activities that helped me grow and make deeper connections with those I teach. By practicing teaching, I have seen a huge transformation in my yoga classes. Every week I would teach a donation yoga class, and attend practice teaching training sessions. Throughout these experiences, I practiced teaching different types of yoga classes including vinyasa hot power yoga, slow burn yoga, yin yoga, and even chair yoga. I also learned many different yoga poses and different variations of each pose so that every person in my classes can find a variation that works for them. I have grown so much in my ability to personalize my classes to the participants, and I am so much more confident with my teaching style. 

Throughout my training I learned about yoga philosophy and the history of yoga. I learned in detail about the Eight limbs of yoga, which includes, Yamas (moral disciplines), Niyamas (positive observances), Asana (physical postures), Pranayama (breathing), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration) Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (enlightenment). Through studying this yoga philosophy, I learned a lot about the world through the history of yoga. 

 

  1. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.

The changes in how I teach yoga and how I approach my yoga practice are very valuable to my life both as a yoga teacher, but also as a nursing student. I have seen tremendous growth in the way I teach yoga, as I can now cater my classes to the needs of my students. I am able to make more connections with my clients to ensure they are getting what they need from every yoga class. This is a skill that is valuable as a nurse, where it is so important to get to know your patients to be able to advocate for them and their healthcare. Learning about different cultures and history will also be helpful as a nurse because I have a better understanding of different cultures and practices that can affect healthcare. 

I have gained so much confidence in my abilities as a yoga teacher, and I have made so many meaningful connections with members of the yoga community, each of which have taught me new aspects of teaching and have allowed me to grow into the yoga teacher I am today. Now that I am a 200 hour certified yoga teacher by the Yoga Alliance, my career goals are to continue to promote health and wellbeing through teaching yoga while I finish nursing school and throughout my life.