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My STEM Identity


    The STEM field is one that many know to be rigorous and challenging, yet knowing it will be and experiencing it are two very different things. I am an unconventional student; I returned to higher education after years in the workforce in occupations I was not satisfied by. As a current student I feel as though I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this field so greatly due to the uncertainty I once had about ever being able to return to education. I also consider myself very committed and determined at this point in my academic career, having built confidence in my previous classes and now three years of research. Although inevitably tired and weary some days like many students, I feel very suited for pursuing a STEM degree. 

    Further, I see myself belonging in this field easily as my experience in research has shown me labs are not only something I can be good at, but allow me to use both creativity and problem solving skills in a way that keeps every day exciting and challenging. I have always struggled in occupations that felt stagnant, and this field is constantly changing in a way that I find exciting. To be on the precipice of new information and be around other people that enjoy discussing theory and experimentation, constantly pushing each other to be better scientists is so unique and motivational to me. 


From left to right; Jonathan Hill, myself, Ryan Grosso, and Chad Albert from Glendale Community College at the ASM Microbe Convention in June of 2024. These are the scientists that continuously inspire me during our scientific research and motivate me to be in STEM. 


    While I have been enjoying this field for the past three years, my major fear is that I will develop burnout or a slow loss of interest once I have dedicated so much time and energy into this degree. I have only experiences small bouts of these feelings every once in a while, but I fear eventually I will lose my passion and wish I could do something else, as I have had that sentient before with other things. 

    Seeing as I cannot know if my commitment will fade, I try my best to take necessary steps to avoid burnout as often as I can. I set aside time specifically for breaks with friends and family, in which I don't check any technology and fully unplug for the entire duration. I also practice being kind to myself, studying and working as often as I can but allowing myself to be tired and rest as needed. I also have an extensive planner and scheduler keeping it all together that I live by. So far these tactics have helped to stay not only a better student of STEM in general, but more fulfilled and motivated for this particular field of study. 

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