- Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.
During the course of my STEP Project, I learned, gained experience, and earned my Phlebotomy Certification. Throughout the class we learned through both hands on, and text book learning. This program provided me with the knowledge to be an effective phlebotomist for my patients, not only drawing blood carefully and efficiently, but this class also equipped me with the tools to ease any anxieties patients might experience. We also were prepared to take the national exam, now certifying me across the country.
- 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.
While completing this course, I experienced a shift in how I view both myself and the healthcare field. I initially approached the course as just a technical certification to check off, but I quickly realized that phlebotomy requires more than just drawing blood—it demands empathy, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal communication.Working with patients, even in a training environment, taught me how important it is to create a sense of trust and calm in a vulnerable moment. It reshaped how I understand patient care and helped me recognize the human side of medicine more deeply.
This experience also transformed how I see myself. I gained confidence not only in my clinical skills but also in my ability to handle pressure and unexpected situations. I learned to trust my judgment and remain calm under stress, which has carried over into other areas of my life. It confirmed for me that I want to continue in a healthcare career and gave me a new appreciation for every role within a medical team. Overall, the project helped me grow personally and professionally, and it challenged my previous assumptions about what it means to provide care.
- 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.
Several key moments and interactions during my phlebotomy certification course were instrumental in the personal and professional transformation I experienced. One of the most impactful aspects was the hands-on clinical training portion of the program. Drawing blood for the first time on a real patient was nerve-wracking, but also deeply empowering. That experience forced me to confront my self-doubt and anxiety head-on, and as I gained confidence with each successful venipuncture, I began to see myself as someone capable of working in high-stakes, patient-centered environments. That realization gave me a new sense of self-assurance that I hadn’t felt before.
Equally influential were the interactions I had with both my instructor and my classmates. Our instructor didn’t just teach technique—she emphasized professionalism, compassion, and patient safety. She shared her own real-world experiences and helped us understand how much our attitude and presence can affect a patient’s comfort. My classmates and I quickly became a support system for each other, sharing tips, encouragement, and honest feedback. These relationships taught me the value of collaboration in healthcare and reminded me that learning is as much about teamwork as it is about individual effort.
Another powerful moment occurred when we had our family and friends day, working with our loved ones, who volunteered to help us practice. I recall one individual who was visibly anxious about having blood drawn. I took extra time to talk with them, explain the process, and ensure they felt comfortable. Their gratitude afterward was overwhelming, and it helped me understand the emotional component of patient care in a way that no textbook ever could. It made me realize that compassion and communication are just as critical as technical skill in the medical field.
Altogether, these experiences deepened my appreciation for the complexity of healthcare work and showed me how much of a difference thoughtful, intentional care can make. They helped shift my mindset from “completing a certification” to truly understanding what it means to serve others in a clinical capacity. I now feel more motivated than ever to pursue a healthcare career, knowing that I can bring not only skill but also empathy and professionalism to every interaction.
- 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 significant because it directly supports my long-term goal of becoming a physician assistant. The skills and mindset I developed during my phlebotomy certification—precision, patient communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure—are essential qualities for a successful PA. By working directly with patients in a clinical setting, I gained firsthand experience in providing care, which will give me a strong foundation as I move into more advanced medical training. I also learned how to approach each interaction with empathy, a trait that will be just as important in diagnosing and treating patients as any technical skill.
On a personal level, this experience gave me the confidence to know I can thrive in a healthcare environment, even when faced with challenges or high-pressure situations. I now understand the human side of medicine more deeply, which will shape how I approach patient care in the future. This growth ensures that when I enter PA school, I will not only have the academic preparation but also the practical, interpersonal, and emotional readiness to succeed and provide exceptional care
