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

            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.

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

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.

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.

2. 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. 

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 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. 

4. 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.

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Cinematic Recap of some highlighted moments at The Think Pink Women’s Conference!

Saturday- Annual Think Pink Lunch and Musical Concert

Think Think

          My STEP Signature Project involved attending and participating in the 2024 Think Pink Women’s Conference in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. This self-designed, experiential learning opportunity focused on leadership development, spiritual growth, and personal exploration through various seminars, discussions, and networking sessions. The week-long conference featured professional mentorship, career exploration, and wellness seminars.

Transformation Through Experience

         Before attending the conference, I believed I was confident, open, and capable of engaging with others in professional and social settings. However, being in a new environment with different people helped me recognize some of my implicit biases and assumptions about myself. I realized I was more reserved and hesitant to connect with others than I had initially thought. This realization came as a surprise and encouraged me to break out and open up to the diverse women I met.

          Through this experience, I gained a new understanding of my own identity and communication style. I learned that I am still growing in areas like self-confidence and adaptability. This personal transformation has broadened my perspective on my strengths and areas for improvement, and it’s something I will continue to work on in future professional and personal endeavors.

Moments of Transformation at Think Pink

           One of the most impactful experiences was attending the health seminar led by women who were professionals in medicine. Their discussions on health, diet, traditional and alternative medicine, and mental health not only provided valuable information but also inspired me to consider how I approach my own health and well-being. Their stories and advice reminded me of the importance of holistic health in my personal and professional life. They edified us and this placed a burden on me to consider being more disciplined about my health habits; physical activity, eating, and rest. 

           During the health seminar, we had the privilege of hearing from Jessica Nosike, a representative from Black Girl Vitamins. She discussed the significance of proper supplementation, debunked common myths, and shared insights on the correct applications of vitamins and supplements. After the seminar, I approached her to discuss the company’s potential need for chemical engineers and shared my own experiences in the field. This led to a wonderful conversation and an unexpected opportunity to network, which resulted in us exchanging contact information. Connecting with her was a valuable professional moment and highlighted the importance of leveraging such events for career growth and building meaningful relationships.

           Another significant moment occurred during the beauty segment of the conference, where I served as a makeup artist for the Think Pink Fashion Show. Initially, I was scheduled to work on six models, but due to unexpected changes, I ended up working on ten models. I had to quickly adjust and collaborate with another stylist to ensure all the models were ready in time. This experience taught me the value of teamwork, adaptability, and remaining calm under pressure. Despite the challenges, the positive words of encouragement exchanged among the service providers kept our spirits high, and witnessing the final showcase was incredibly rewarding.

          The session on financial success led by business mogul Grace Ofure from Nigeria also had a positive effect on me. Her seminar on integrity in entrepreneurship as Christian women resonated deeply with my own aspirations. Hearing her story and insights reinforced the importance of ethical business practices and perseverance as a young business owner myself. I was encouraged to integrate these principles into my own careers now and the future-  I have plenty of notes. As attendees, we also received an opportunity to join Ms. Grace Ofure’s financial mentorship program for free. 

Significance of Transformation and Values

          The personal growth I experienced at Think Pink is significant because it has expanded my understanding of who I am and how I engage with the world. It has given me the confidence to embrace my imperfections and work actively on becoming a better version of myself. I wish I could share all the memories but there are too many! This transformation aligns with my academic and professional goals by enhancing my leadership abilities and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for success in my field. The lessons I learned and connections I made will serve as a foundation for my continued personal and professional development.

For my STEP Project, I had the incredible chance to attend LendingCon in Orlando, Florida. It was an amazing experience where I got to connect with leaders from both the hospitality and finance industries. Through panels, discussions, and a lot of networking, I learned so much about how the future of hospitality is shaping up, especially in a post-pandemic world.

Change/Transformation:

Before attending LendingCon, I used to think networking was mostly transactional—just an opportunity to exchange business cards and make quick connections. But this experience completely changed my mindset. I realized that real growth happens when you build meaningful relationships, engage in deeper conversations, and keep yourself updated on the latest trends in the industries you’re passionate about. This made me appreciate the value of continuous learning and the long-term impact of having a strong professional network.

Additionally, my view of the hospitality industry shifted. I learned how much it’s influenced by broader societal trends—like how people now prioritize experiences over material things—and how political changes can directly affect business regulations. It’s become clear to me that successful entrepreneurs don’t just focus on their own businesses; they stay informed on how industries evolve, how policies impact growth, and how social trends shape consumer behavior. That kind of holistic understanding is something I now see as essential to my future in both business and law.

Events and Interactions Leading to Transformation:

One of the biggest moments for me during the project was attending a panel discussion led by Liam Brown, Group President at Marriott. He talked about how leisure travel has grown, and how people now value experiences more than material goods. That completely shifted how I saw the hospitality industry. I had always thought of it as just service-based, but Brown’s perspective made me realize how connected it is to people’s lifestyles and values. It opened my eyes to how businesses can make emotional and cultural impacts—something I hadn’t really considered before.

I also learned a lot from Glenn and Chirag Shah of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Their session on politics and the hospitality industry was eye-opening. They explained how much businesses are shaped by elections and government policies. It really hit me that if I want to be successful as an entrepreneur or in law, I need to stay informed about legislative changes and build relationships across different sectors to advocate for the industries I care about.

Then there was Farris Sheikh’s session on insurance trends, which expanded my thinking about how interconnected different industries are. I had never considered how important risk management is for running a successful business. But his insights showed me that if I want to be a strong entrepreneur, I need to think long-term and plan for potential risks in my business strategy. This experience taught me that a successful business approach isn’t just about immediate wins—it’s about considering all the potential opportunities and challenges that could come down the road.

Significance of the Change: 

This transformation matters a lot to me because it directly ties into my academic and professional goals. As a business student focused on Operations Management and Organizational Psychology, with a future in law, understanding how industries are shaped by economic, political, and cultural factors is crucial. It’s not just about learning the technical side of things—it’s about seeing the bigger picture. LendingCon gave me a new level of awareness of how business, law, and politics are all interconnected, which will be key as I work toward my career goals in law and entrepreneurship.

On a personal level, it’s also changed how I approach building relationships and growing SocialSaiya, my social media marketing company. The emphasis on building real connections and staying informed about industry trends will help me not only grow my business but also serve my clients better. Moving forward, this more strategic perspective will be essential for my future—both as an entrepreneur and in my long-term goal of practicing law.

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Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project.

The STEP Signature Project featured engaging in a Phlebotomy Course with the Ohio School of Phlebotomy. Requirements included passing didactic assessment requirements and demonstrating competency in clinical skills. Moreover, a special focus was placed on receiving a Certified Phlebotomy Technician certification.

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

Throughout the experience, transformation and affirmation of thoughts co-existed to produce novel changes. A major takeaway was the underscoring of my passion for healthcare. The process provided a realistic insight into the medical enterprise and quotidian assignments. It strengthened and affirmed preconceived notions I had with regard to my passion for the field. Moreover, it further compelled me to explore the intricacies we hinted at in the course.

The experience additionally emphasized the compounding effect of small actions in conjunction with diverse thinking in producing optimal health outcomes. Using subtle body language, connecting with patients, providing reassurance, and more acts as such enhance the overall experience for the seeker and the provider. Moreover, it is important that such actions are nuanced and applicable to a diverse plethora of experiences, cultural expectations, and social norms..

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?

An experience that I will remember for the rest of my life is the first day of clinical experience. The cold room, the lingering anxiousness, and the nervous small talk filled the room from the student group. Everyone looked at each other with empathy and care, excited to try not something known but in fear to not cause inquiry. I knew patient care was where my ambitions lay, and I was intrigued to take on this experience. In my first venipuncture, nevertheless, I felt light-headed, and my hands were shaking as I inserted the needle in the vein. With the right supervision, I was successfully able to extract blood. The completion of this procedure gave me joy, leading to the further strengthening of my passion. This joy increased over time as my confidence improved with my experiences.

Proficiency in sticks was coupled with appropriate and expected practices for patient care. A patient’s satisfaction is not entirely tied to the success or failure of a venipuncture, there are a multitude of factors that can generate comfort and trust. The ability to connect and comfort is a key metric in positive outcomes. Watching my instructor make jokes, reassuring concerns, connecting with my background, being seated on the same level, and answering questions helped patients feel much more secure about the procedure. There were certain experiences where individuals were scared about being stuck or had previous sticks that did not go successfully. The number one lesson provided is that the ability to connect has its own power to heal.

Nevertheless, healing is not without nuance in thinking. Individuals come from a variety of backgrounds and one’s thoughts may not align with another. It is important to be familiar with the individual expectations and accepted connotations. It is important to not only be inclusive in expectations but also be inclusive in one’s own creativity. Think about unique ways to aid someone or bring a solution. Innovative thinking is key in such applications. Combining the process of innovation with small acts of comfort has not only transformed my view of patient care but has further augmented my pursuit of this. The factors in conjunction have bolstered my efforts to provide quality care to those in need.

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

This experience is further enhanced by the journey of pursuing medicine as a career. According to new projections published by the AAMC in March of earlier this year, the United States will face a physician shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. There is an ever-growing need for healthcare as pathologies begin to increase in number. It is critical to meet this demand by providing individuals with affordable, accessible, quality care. In reference to Maslow’s Triangle of Human Needs, one needs to meet physiological needs before being motivated by self-actualization. Every individual has a universal right to healthcare and must obtain services promptly in order to climb the hierarchy and make a positive impact in the world. With this in mind, the experience of pursuing phlebotomy has facilitated my drive to serve people as a provider in the future.