Motivated Merlyn

09/10/28

Coming into ISM, I had this preconceived notion that the class would be challenging, and I was absolutely correct. But I say challenging in a good sense. The class has already changed my views on how I should work and how I should carry myself. I realized how important it is to work ahead of the game, what professionalism looks and sounds like, and the idea that being confident in your abilities is the only way you’re going to make progress.

On the first few weeks, we had to present speeches. I was completely terrified, because I had this idea that I could not do it and that I am just going to embarrass myself. Once I got well acquainted to my peers, through a ballistic name game where I was named Motivated Merlyn, I felt much more at ease to be in the class. However, I still felt anxious about presenting a speech. When I was called up to do the speech, I got this surge of confidence, I was able to naturally give the speech. The nerves were all in my head. In this class, the only person holding you back is yourself. It is very self driven and self motivated. The effort and passion you put in your work will come through as long as you’re confident in yourself.

Another problem I had was trying to get interviews with professionals. At first I started connecting to every neurologists I could find on Linkedin, but to my luck, only 2 connected, and they did not even reply to my message. Then as I started researching more about neurology, and found I had an inclination to look more into the the cognitive and memory disorders. Now, I am trying to reach out to neurologists who specialize in neurodegenerative diseases. I have already gotten one response, so hopefully I will be able to get two more from the same area of interest.

Next week and the weeks to come, I’m planning on trying to work ahead and get at least two more interviews scheduled. I also need to learn more about the science behind neurodegenerative diseases and the latest research. ISM, although it seems difficult, I can see the benefit that it will bring me in the long run. I feel it even now, with the way I am more on top of my work than I have been in the last 3 years of high school, and my change in mindset to want to put in that extra work. I am so thankful to be in this program and am excited to see what this year holds.