One year down!

I write this post coming off the weekend in which my second semester of my first year has just wrapped up. What a whirlwind it has been, full of stress, exhaustion, lots and lots of writing, but also much learning and growth in my public speaking abilities and confidence.

This second semester was far more manageable given I'd a semester under my belt and two fewer classes. Biotechnology Operations and Molecular Technologies II really tied together and complemented the content learned and made for a theoretical and hands on approach to many of the concepts of operations. Constant writing assignments allowed for synthesis of the content learned in class and would build up to the final product development plan. A poster presentation, class group lecture and final product development plan presentations allowed for more public speaking experience and ability to hone confidence in conveying information to an audience.

While I found myself often confused during biotechnology operations, I was able to synthesize the information learned each week and obtain A's on every assignment I turned in. Despite some group dynamic drama , I also received an A on my class lecture presentation assignment and on the final development projects our team received an AB on the paper. Have yet to learn my presentation score...Found out I rocked it with A's across the board!

The first semester was a lot to take in, never having experienced graduate school before. We had four classes and the workload was not terribly difficult until the end when we had a 30 page paper due as well as a opportunity assessment paper. But I had a good group and was able to lean on my teammates especially when Grandpa passed away.

Now that summer is here, I hope to really take this "free" time and hone some additional skills that I am lacking in, think hard about what my capstone should be, and identify where I'm going next. I'd like to enjoy my time off but also be constructive in pursuing my final end goals once next year is over and I graduate.

I'm still confident this was the best decision I could make. If I so choose to continue I have the option but I can certainly try to make a lateral move career wise as well.

Til I write again...