On August 20th, as I first walked through the halls of the fourth floor Mosher-Jordan hall, my heart pounded almost out of my chest. I only knew my roommate, and I felt overwhelmed by the combination of unfamiliar faces, promised academic rigor, and expansive resources offered by the University of Michigan.
When I first entered my research laboratory, that same feeling returned. I was overwhelmed by the unfamiliar scientific jargon, techniques, and processes I had to quickly adjust to. Like most students in MRADS, I lacked formal research experience, and worried that I would fall behind. However, this inexperience became a blessing in disguise. As we navigated steep learning curves together, I grew closer to others on my floor. We would casually share how confusing protocols were or laugh about mistakes we made at the bench. Unknowingly, those informal conversations began forming genuine friendships.
Although I was quite introverted at the beginning of freshman year, taking advantage of opportunities to attend social events like the Fall Celebration, apply for jobs alongside my friends, and actively participate in weekly discussions in our shared program class, ALA 104/114, allowed me to learn how rewarding it is to step out of my comfort zone, as I only gained stronger friendships and better public speaking skills from doing so.
As the weeks progressed and I began to master complex techniques, including CRISPR microinjections, PCR-based genotyping, and oral gavaging, I started feeling a sense of pride each time I entered the laboratory. What once felt intimidating slowly became familiar, and I even became motivated to diversify my scientific skill set. When my friends and I caught up over delicious MoJo cookies, it felt incredibly relieving to say that I had found my footing within the laboratory.
When I compare who I am today to who I was at the beginning of freshman year, I can clearly see how much my confidence has grown. Because of my consistent communication with my PI and my postdoctoral mentor, I’ve learned professional etiquette, how to ask thoughtful questions, and how to advocate for myself in academic spaces. Now, I feel far more comfortable interacting with professors and networking with medical professionals. Additionally, MRADS has shown me that I am capable of creating meaningful support systems wherever I go.
Although I felt impostor syndrome at points, questioning if I truly belonged in a research lab, and even at the University of Michigan, my experiences within MRADS reminded me that I was not alone in navigating these challenges and that I was capable of rising to them. Now, I am actually excited when I sign up for challenging classes, unfamiliar extracurriculars, and new situations; no task seems impossible because I know I have a strong foundation to support me.
