As a teaching assistant for Pre-Calculus and Intro to College Algebra, I had the unique position of being a student and a teacher. Assisting the professor in teaching complex math courses to undergraduate students was both a formidable and enlightening task. During the classes, I was there alongside the professor, guiding students through the challenges with numbers and equations. Rather than merely stating facts, my aim was to make these subjects understandable and approachable for those who might initially find them intimidating.Beyond the confines of the classroom, I held regular office hours for one-on-one assistance. These sessions offered a window into each student's unique learning style, enabling me to tailor my approach. The sense of achievement we shared when a particularly tough concept finally made sense was fulfilling. Furthermore, I spearheaded tutoring and test review sessions, revisiting crucial concepts, addressing doubts, and prepping students for upcoming exams. Seeing their growing confidence was immensely gratifying. When it came to proctoring exams, my role wasn't merely about rule enforcement, but more about creating a calm, supportive space for students to perform their best. In this journey as a mathematics teaching assistant, the real joy sprang from observing the transformation of the students - from apprehension to comprehension, and from uncertainty to confidence.

As one of only three participants in the Research4Life (R4L) program, I found myself immersed in an enriching and transformative experience. This unique summer initiative by the Department of Internal Medicine at VCU was designed to inspire underrepresented minority students to explore careers in medicine. The program was an intense 8 to 10-week journey that combined hands-on clinical research with the opportunity to shadow doctors, providing invaluable real-world insights that textbooks alone couldn't offer.The strong mentorship provided was a highlight of the program, as the guidance from experienced professionals greatly aided in my navigation of the medical field. Coupled with the chance to participate in local healthcare activities, these experiences deepened my understanding and commitment to the field. By the end of the R4L program, not only had my interest in Internal Medicine grown, but I was also more determined than ever to pursue an academic career. This program, aimed at enhancing diversity in medicine, has profoundly impacted me, and I am eager to see it inspire more students in the future.

Shadowing in the realm of internal medicine was an enlightening experience, full of impactful moments that shaped my perspective on the field. Observing doctors during hospital rounds felt similar to watching skilled detectives, each symptom providing a piece of the puzzle for accurate diagnoses and treatments. Working alongside residents and interns was equally inspiring. Their commitment to knowledge, and their dedication while having immese responsibilities, showcased the very essence of hands-on medicine.This journey also involved rich interactions with fellow medical students, our shared passion for making a difference fostering a sense of unity. The insights they shared deepened my understanding of internal medicine. However, the encounters with patients left the most lasting impressions. Witnessing their bravery in the face of health challenges, and realizing the profound impact of our work on their lives, was humbling. This culmination of experiences underlined the significance of knowledge, teamwork, resilience, and empathy in medicine, leaving me with immense respect for the profession and a profound desire to contribute to this incredible field.

As a research assistant in a nephrology transplant typing lab, my work encompasses intricate nephrology studies, specifically enhancing donor availability for highly sensitized patients. I research transplant typings, HLA system genetics, and their link to infections, including a critical examination of harmful antibodies from both donors and recipients. Hands-on responsibilities include sample collection and processing from transplant recipients, offering me a nuanced understanding of our research's implications for future patient care. Utilizing specialized software, my team and I analyze data to establish connections between HLA system genetics and patients' infection resilience. Beyond lab work, I contribute to report writing, presentation preparation, and authoring articles for scientific journals, while actively participating in research meetings. Each day brings a new learning experience, adding meaningfully to our significant contributions to nephrology.