STEP 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 worked to get both an open water and advanced scuba diving certification. The activities included online courses and in-person confined water practice. Both courses have open water check-out dives. This allowed students to get the opportunity to dive in a real dive setting.

  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.

I have always had an interest in aquatic ecosystems and the environment. Scuba diving has allowed me to explore this interest in a new light. Having the opportunity to explore aquatic ecosystems underwater has given me a new perspective. Having a scuba diving certification is not common, but I can explore the underwater world in new ways by gaining one. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors, or PADI, course emphasizes the importance of protecting the underwater world. It taught me new ways to protect the environment, especially when diving. They also have certifications to further education on coral reef conservation.

Throughout my courses, I met many new people of varying backgrounds. The scuba diving community is very nice and helpful to each other. Each instructor and fellow divers are always there to lend a hand and help you improve. My classes had students that varied in age, reason for diving, and where they were in life. It was so interesting to meet these new people and learn from them.

  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.

Through gaining my scuba certification, I built many new connections and learned new skills. These skills will help me explore my passions and interests on a new, deeper level. By not only obtaining my basic scuba certification but, my advanced certification, I am allowed to explore on a new level. The advanced certification allows me to push my boundaries in scuba diving. My scuba instructor explained it as “Your open water certification teaches you how to survive underwater, but your advanced certification allows you to become an actual diver.”

The skills I have learned throughout this process have made me excited to use them in the ocean. I was able to get a better understanding of aquatic life by diving in the quarry. However, diving in the ocean will allow me to experience another world of things. This process has prepared me, transformed my beliefs, and made my passion more concrete.

Throughout my two courses, I met many new people to share my interests with. My basic certification course is where I met most of my new relationships. Everyone was very eager to learn and worked together to further improve. From the instructors, employees, and peers, everyone was more than happy to lend a hand. This reinforced how important it is to be kind and helpful to others. The scuba diving community is a positive environment and something I am proud to be a part of.

 

  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.

My future career goals are to work in marine biology. More specifically, I want to do research, which involves fieldwork. Fieldwork can require knowing how to scuba dive to collect samples. By gaining my certification, I am one step closer to those career goals. I am building the fundamental skills necessary for it. It will also open the door for more opportunities to gain fieldwork through internships. I must work my way up to doing research and having jobs that will act as building blocks will help me achieve my goals.

Not only have I always wanted to work in marine biology, but I have also always had a passion for the ocean and wanted to scuba dive. My uncle is a marine biologist, and he has had the most fascinating experiences. Growing up learning and watching what he has accomplished, made me want to achieve similar things. Being able to scuba dive, I am exploring a new passion and now a new hobby.

 

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

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

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.

LendingCon – A look into the World of Hospitality and Finance

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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Flowing Through the Veins of Phlebotomy

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.

Imagine of students standing inside a room with phlebotomy chairs and equipment.

Open Water Scuba Diving Certification Project

Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project.

For my STEP Signature Project, I completed three courses through Columbus Scuba; a PADI learning partner. I took the basic open water certification, which allows you to dive up to depths of 60 feet and consists of 4 weeks of pool lessons, e-learning, and a weekend of quarry diving at Gilboa Quarry in Findlay, Ohio. I also took the advanced scuba diving course which furthers your depth to 130 feet, which consisted of e-learning and yet another weekend at Gilboa Quarry. Finally, I completed the rescue dive certification, which allows me to save responsive and unresponsive divers at the surface, or underwater. The rescue course consisted of e-learning and dive scenarios at the quarry for a weekend.

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

By the time I finished my STEP Signature Project, I realized that I had a passion for diving. In the beginning of the project, I was incredibly excited to finally have the opportunity to do something I have been dreaming of for years. But, it ended up being so much more than just something that gave me a new hobby. It was something that opened up new doors in my future career as a lot of jobs in my field may ask for some sort of scuba certification. I also gained more respect for our oceans and was able to reflect on how as someone who is certified to scuba dive on a higher level, can help the ocean. As time went on with my project, I realized that on top of all of these doors that opened in my career, the additional hobby I gained, and respect for our world’s oceans, I gained a community of other divers who are as passionate about our water ecosystems as I am. I realized that I went through a transformation not only on a personal level, but also on a scale that can affect the world around me.

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?

To learn something completely new is a very stressful thing to do. I was brand new to diving and showing up on the first day was incredibly difficult as I did not know anyone. But as time went on, I felt completely at home. With this experience, I was able to change my learning mindset to a very fixed, repressive one, to a stronger growth mindset. Instead of this potentially feeling like an obligation that I had to do, I ended up having a lot of fun and I learned a great deal. This has translated to everything in my life, not just diving.

A lot of relationships with fellow divers were formed during the duration of my project. Whether it was students who were learning to dive at the level I was also learning or the instructors who have been diving for longer than I. have been in this Earth, it was definitely a community I have never experienced before. The instructors really assisted with building my confidence as a diver and would even go on extra dives with me for fun during the process. Meeting people who are so passionate for something is an unmatched experience, one that I will never forget. In the future, I will see these same people again on various dive trips and we will certainly pick up where we left off.

Having the ability to do something you have never done before and have also dreamed about doing is an amazing feeling. It will always have the ability to change you as a person and allow for personal growth. This experience had so many different life changing aspects, whether it was for my career, or for my personal gain. Being able to be outside and actually complete different dive scenarios instead of just watching the videos on the e-learning was an experience I will never forget and it is something that will stay with me forever.

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

The change I underwent during the duration of this project will make me a more qualified candidate after I graduate for higher level jobs. Not only that, but it opens a door to continue on with my passion as a scuba diver. The transformation I underwent made me fall in love with the sport and eventually, I can become a well- traveled individual who goes on dive trips with the community that is formed within. I have discovered that I want to continue my education as a diver and eventually work my way up to becoming a dive master, which is essentially an assistant instructor. The change I experienced made me a more well-rounded individual with more passion for something than I have ever felt before.

Exploring Dental Fields Through Dental Assisting

Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. 

          For my STEP Signature Project, I completed a course at the Columbus Academy of Dental Assisting to become a certified dental assistant. I did this by attending lectures at the academy and participating in labs where we would do dental procedures. Throughout this course, I was able to learn about the day-in-the-life of a dentist and also learn about the different dental fields.

 

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

          By the time I finished my STEP Signature Project, I realized that I went through a personal transformation. At first, I didn’t really think anything changed. My view of the world was the same and my assumptions of the dental industry were confirmed. However, with more reflection, I realized that I underwent a huge personal development; I had gained self-confidence. I realized that I went through this transformation because I was more excited to participate in life and its experiences. I was more excited to participate in my courses. I was more excited to find new hobbies and meet new people because I started to trust myself and my actions. 

 

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? 

          To have this transformational experience, I gained confidence by participating in labs, interacting with faculty, learning the material and testing well on the material. First off, I am a firm believer that practice makes perfect. This is why learning the material and testing well on it are great starts to building confidence. It can be very overwhelming to introduce yourself to a professional community while not really knowing anything about it. That is why it is important to do research about the community and know what the day-in-the-life is like. By learning more about the dental industry through coursework, I was able to feel confidently that I would be able to tackle the material presented in dental school and introduce myself to the dental community.

          I also gained confidence by my interactions with faculty at the academy. A lot of the faculty at the Columbus Academy of Dental Assisting have been dental assistants for a long time. This means that they have experienced the highs and lows when it comes to dealing with the dental industry and patients. With their guidance, I was able to become more familiar with dealing with patients (an area that I was timid about before entering the program). They also told me that it’s okay to make mistakes, even when you are with a patient. Of course you want to establish the best experience you can with a patient, but sometimes that is not the way things work. There are a lot of unknowns in dentistry so it is important to do your best and trust yourself and your actions. 

          Lastly, I believe having hands-on experience in the lab allowed me to gain confidence. Before I started the program, I was really afraid about performing the procedures in the course. This is because I didn’t trust myself with the well-being of other people. I was afraid that I would mess up or forget something important in the procedure that would affect the patient. But, by performing certain actions on typodonts and then, on other students at the academy, I became proficient with the procedures. By being proficient, I was able to gain self-confidence when performing on patients and also adaptable for the needs of the patient.

 

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

          This change is significant because it will allow me to pursue my passions with more confidence. Before undergoing this course, I was unsure if I had what it took to be a dentist. I was unsure if I could handle the course material in dental school and I was really unsure if I would be able to protect and care for patients. By having trust in myself, I can confidently say that I have what it takes to not only become and be a dentist, but also pursue other passions in my life. This is because I know I am capable of doing hard things. Whether it is taking hard classes, interacting with people, or pursuing other interests like solo traveling. I am capable of pursuing my goals in life and fulfilling them.

Medical Assistant Certification Project

STEP Post-Project Reflection Prompts

As you may recall from your STEP Signature Project Proposal, your project was designed to foster transformational learning—that is, learning that challenged you personally and helped you gain broader and deeper understandings of yourself, others, and the world around you. Please address the following prompts to help you reflect on your experiences following the completion of your STEP Signature Project; please give careful and critical thought to your responses.

 

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

 

I took an online medical assistant certification course. There were two parts to this course. The first parts was the online, classroom part where I learned the stuff from the textbook about being a medical assistant. The second part was an in-person internship at a hospital where I practiced the stuff I learned in the online course in the real-world.

 

  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.

 

After completing my STEP project, an online medical assistant certification course, my perspective on the healthcare field has drastically changed.  Before taking this course, I assumed that patient care was primarily about just diagnosing a patient and determining a treatment plan. However, through this course, I learned that being in the medical field involves so much more than just clinical competence. You must also have good communication skills, be emphatic, and understand the emotional needs of a patient. This realization has increased my appreciation for the medical field.

Also, this course has increased my confidence in taking on more significant responsibilities in medical settings. Before this course, I was still involved in the healthcare field, but I was doing menial tasks and just following instructions. I didn’t have much faith in my ability to be in-charge of any bigger responsibilities. After this course, I realized that I have the capability to have a bigger role in the healthcare field and take on more responsibilities.

 

  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.

 

Something that transformed me while completing this project was the module that focused on patient communication. Through case studies and role-playing exercises, I learned how important it is to listen to patients, interpret non-verbal cues, and provide comfort in moments of vulnerability. This module made me more aware of how critical soft skills are in healthcare.

Another module that played a key role in my transformation was about medical ethics and the challenges medical professionals have to deal with to ensure equitable care to all patients. It caused some self-reflection on the disparities in healthcare access and the importance for advocating proper healthcare for all patients from all backgrounds. It pushed me to become more socially aware and will play a huge role in how I will approach my career as a future healthcare provider.

The hands-on skills I learned, such as taking vital signs and assisting with minor procedures, had a huge impact on me. It gave me a sense of the ways I could contribute to patient well-being, even without being a doctor or specialist. It was eye opening to see how doctors and nurses are not the only part of the hospital, and that healthcare wouldn’t work without medical assistants and all the smaller roles.

Interacting with fellow students and instructors allowed me to see the variety of pathways that lead into healthcare. Everyone came from different backgrounds and hearing their experiences helped broaden my perspective on the many factors that can cause different people to be different types of medical providers.

 

  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.

 

This transformation is valuable for not only my academic goals but also my career aspirations in healthcare. Understanding that patient care involves much more than just technical competence has strengthened my passion for the medical field. I now know that I am capable of making an impact, even as a student, and that developing all the skills I learned during this course, like empathy and communication skills, will be just as important as my scientific learning.

This experience has only increased my desire to be a part of the healthcare system. It gave me that foundational skills I need to pursue more hands-on medical experiences. It has made me excited about continuing this long and difficult journey towards becoming a physician, knowing what I will learn along the way and what awaits me at the end of it.

2024 Step Reflection

### 1. Brief description of the STEP Signature Project:

My STEP Signature Project involved participating in the **High Stakes Leadership program** through the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University. This project entailed a week-long expedition in Estes Park, Colorado, from August 7th to 14th, 2024, where I engaged in technical climbing and mountaineering, focusing on developing leadership skills through challenging outdoor activities and teamwork.

### 2. Transformation or change in understanding of myself or the world:

During the High Stakes Leadership program, I experienced a significant shift in my understanding of leadership and personal resilience. Before this experience, I primarily viewed leadership as a set of skills required to manage and guide teams. However, throughout the project, I realized that leadership is equally about self-awareness, adaptability, and maintaining a sense of calm under pressure. Facing physical challenges like steep climbs and difficult weather conditions helped me recognize my own ability to stay composed and lead others effectively. This experience transformed my assumptions about my limits, pushing me to trust in my decision-making and resilience, even in high-stakes environments.

### 3. Key experiences leading to transformation:

The core events that contributed to my transformation during the expedition revolved around the technical climbing activities and the collaborative teamwork required for success. One memorable moment was the first time I had to take the lead in guiding my team through a difficult ascent. The pressure of ensuring the safety of my group, while simultaneously navigating the rock face, taught me the importance of effective communication and staying composed under stress. This challenged me to trust my instincts and lean on the training we received prior to the trip.

Another pivotal experience came from dealing with the unpredictable mountain weather. Midway through our expedition, we faced sudden rain, which complicated the climb. This moment forced the team to make quick decisions, balancing the risk of continuing with the climb against the possibility of retreating to safety. I was surprised by how I was able to remain calm and contribute to the team’s collective decision to push through safely, which boosted my confidence in my leadership and problem-solving abilities.

Additionally, the bonds formed with my team played a key role in shaping my perspective. Relying on each other for both physical and emotional support created an atmosphere of trust and community, which is essential in any leadership context. I learned that being a leader isn’t just about giving orders; it’s about building a support system where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

### 4. Significance of the transformation:

This transformation has been invaluable for my personal and professional growth. From a personal standpoint, I now feel more confident in my ability to handle stressful situations, both in physical endeavors like climbing and in everyday life. Professionally, the skills I gained from the expedition—clear communication, quick decision-making, and team collaboration—are highly transferable to my field of Computer Science Engineering. In the future, when faced with complex projects or leadership roles in my career, I will draw on the lessons learned during this expedition, knowing that I am capable of leading effectively even when the stakes are high.

CCMA STEP Reflection – Surya Narla

 

  1. My STEP Signature Project was becoming a certified medical assistant through the Ohio School of Phlebotomy. Through this program, I learned essential skills in patient care, including phlebotomy, taking vitals, recording patient histories, and administering EKGs. These are crucial skills that prepare me and expand on my knowledge of a career in healthcare.
  2. While completing my STEP Signature Project, I not only gained technical skills but also confronted a personal challenge I’ve had since childhood—a phobia of needles. I was surprised to find that through the training, I was able to overcome this fear and even began to enjoy the process of learning how to provide injections and draw blood for patients. This was a significant achievement for me, as it showed me that I’m capable of overcoming challenges I never thought possible.

    In addition to mastering these technical skills, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy and patience in patient care. Learning how to take patient histories and properly communicate with patients taught me that the way I talk with them greatly influences their comfort and trust. I also became aware of the ethical dimensions of care, such as maintaining patient privacy and dignity. Overall, this project has transformed my view of healthcare, making me appreciate the importance of each role in ensuring compassionate, ethical, and efficient care.

  3. Several key experiences during my STEP Signature Project played a pivotal role in my personal and professional transformation, particularly in mastering a broad range of medical assistant skills. One of the most impactful experiences was learning to perform EKG administration, which underscored the significance of early diagnosis in cardiac care. Additionally, gaining proficiency in laboratory and CLIA-waived tests provided me with valuable insight into the precision required in medical work. These hands-on experiences bolstered my confidence, helping me overcome my phobia of needles and reinforcing my ability to perform essential healthcare tasks.

    Phlebotomy, specimen handling, and administering injections were among the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of my training. Facing my fear of needles, particularly while learning to draw blood and provide injections, marked a significant turning point in my development. With guidance from my instructors and support from my peers, I was able to overcome this long-standing fear and ultimately found enjoyment in delivering such crucial care to patients. This newfound confidence extended to other areas of patient care, such as wound dressing and medication administration, enhancing my overall skill set as a future medical assistant.

    Professionalism and adherence to HIPAA regulations were also fundamental components of my experience. Learning how to accurately chart medical histories, maintain patient confidentiality, and prepare exam rooms emphasized the importance of safety and ethical standards in healthcare. These activities further developed my understanding of the interconnected nature of healthcare roles, emphasizing that patient safety and rights are paramount in ensuring quality care.

    Furthermore, developing a solid foundation in medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology enabled me to engage more effectively with both patients and healthcare professionals. This knowledge allowed me to communicate with greater clarity and precision in clinical settings. Overall, the comprehensive training I received through my STEP Signature Project, coupled with personal growth, transformed my perspective on healthcare and prepared me to contribute meaningfully to the field.

    4.

    This transformation is very significant to both my personal and professional development, particularly in reinvigorated my aspiration to become a physician. Overcoming my needle phobia and gaining proficiency in critical medical tasks, such as phlebotomy and injections, has instilled a strong sense of self-confidence and resilience. These experiences have demonstrated my ability to confront challenges directly—an essential trait for a future physician.

    Moreover, the diverse skills I acquired, including patient care, medical procedures, and adherence to ethical standards, have provided a solid foundation for my academic and professional goals. This project has reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in medicine by giving me firsthand insight into the importance of empathy, precision, and teamwork in healthcare. It has affirmed my passion for patient care and strengthened my resolve to make meaningful contributions to the field as a future physician.