DVM Candidate | B.S. Biology

High-Impact Learning is defined as active learning processes applied to and outside of the classroom to increase student engagement and help them cultivate skills that they can apply to any situation. I have had the amazing opportunity to have many of these experiences, ones that were truly invaluable and have given me chances to apply everything I've learned in the real world, truly having an impact on the people and environments around me.

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I first started these experiences as a Team Leader in Honors Symposium, with the ability to mentor 33 students and support them as they transition to college. This showed me how to communicate effectively with students from various backgrounds and with different learning styles. I had to listen actively to their concerns, address their questions, and provide meaningful feedback that would help them grow as honors scholars. This experience helped me develop strong interpersonal and communication skills, which are crucial in any setting.

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In Spring 2022, I was part of the Advanced Marine Biology class, which is a research-intensive class that exposed me to various research methodologies and analytical tools. During this time, I learned how to collect and analyze data in a systematic and rigorous manner, including doing research on microplastic abundance and type in Florida State Parks, as well as investigating the impact of mangrove encroachment on oyster reefs. This experience helped me develop strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential in any research or data-driven field.

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I also was one of ten students chosen to go to South Africa with the LEAD Scholars Academy, raising money to fund projects to support a township and a game reserve. Managing a project such as this taught me how to work effectively in a team, delegate tasks, and utilize resources efficiently. I also learned how to adapt to new and unfamiliar environments and how to communicate effectively with stakeholders halfway around the world. The rest of the students and I ended up raising a record $20,000 for our projects, some of which helped fund new cheetah collars to continue research on their paths in the reserve. These skills have proved to be valuable in my professional life, where I often collaborate with diverse teams to achieve common goals.

 

Finally, conducting research on the Queen Conch in Belize allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the social and ecological challenges facing developing countries, including the delicate balance between harvesting resources and keeping the populations at a sustainable level. I learned how to design and implement research projects that are sensitive to local cultures and contexts, as well as how to communicate my findings to a broad audience of professionals and public alike.

 

The experiences I gained have equipped me with a broad range of skills that I can apply to real-world situations. These experiences have taught me how to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, analyze data rigorously, and navigate cultural and environmental challenges. I am incredibly excited to utilize these skills in whatever

the future brings.

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