Epiphany

Chapter one: Watch Me

When I was in kindergarten I remember a conversation my pre-school teacher said, life is like a domino effect. One action leads you to another action or opportunity. That statement is forever cemented into my mind and is something I always reflect on. Everything happens for a reason. Although, I tend to ponder on things that can have a great impact on my life and future. To be honest my worst fear is choosing the wrong path.

Epiphany

(e-piph-a-ny)

(n) A moment of sudden revelation; a poignant, sudden, profound understanding.

When I am feeling lost on what to do or if I have a feeling of uncertainty I religiously look for signs that 'show' me what I need to be doing. Because nine times out of ten its my unconscious mind telling me what I was too scared to admit. Sometimes it may be a risk but a majority of the time it turns out for the better. On the other hand, I need someone to flat out tell me "Adamary you need to be doing this because..." I may be too blinded, indecisive or I may be thinking about it too deeply that I am unable to see whats right in front of me.

The Search

For me, hearing another classmate talk about their mentor and research question validates the struggle I myself experienced. I was getting rejection and redirection from professors, and not the ‘yes’ I was looking for. Which I understand, this semester is a lot different from past semesters. Not to mention both students and professors have to put in an extra amount of effort. Despite what’s going on, I had the opportunity to meet up with Dr. Bradley. Dr. Bradley is a professor that works in the neuroscience department. He invited me to his lab meeting and introduced me to his lab team. Although I was very interested in observing zebrafish, and how their environments affect mental disorders, I felt as though the students were already so far ahead. Not to mention I didn't have much of a background in biology. I do love a good challenge, but I wanted to keep my eyes open for an opportunity that felt right.

During the lab meeting with Dr. Carter, one of his lab members suggested a handful of potential mentors. One being Dr. April Bleske-Rechek, who is a professor who specialized in genetics and evolution. I reached out to her, and surprisingly, got a fast reply. I described what I saw myself doing in the future and explained that although I love the sciences I didn't think medical school was for me. After hearing me out, she stated that what I was describing was a career in clinical mental health or counseling psychology.

Realization

I thought about it for a second, and realized she was right. The best fit for me was to do something I always wanted to do. I should not be persuaded by my parents or money. I want to wake up every morning excited to go to work. It was just what I needed to hear at the exact time I needed to hear it.

Research

I discussed research with Dr. Bleske-Rechek the evolutionary and genetic professor, and hers was the most interesting compared to other professors. We haven't had time to meet up yet due to conflicting schedules, but I am pleased to say we have a meeting Friday November 6th. Once that meeting happens I feel as though I'll be fully caught up with having my mentor, picking a research statement, and knowing what I should be reading for my literature analysis. I’m looking forward to everything that is to come and extremely thankful for the mentor I chose.