A JOURNEY TO REMEMBER

The past week in the Independent Study and Mentorship program was what we were all working towards this entire year: the first annual Reedy High School ISM Final Presentation Night. This night was a showcase of our final products, introducing and thanking our mentors for their hard work, and then giving our final presentations to an audience.

There were many achievements with final presentation night. The outline of the program was that first we would have a walkthrough of our topics in the cafeteria, similar to the Research Showcase. Next, we went to the auditorium to formally introduce and thank our mentors for all that they have done this year. Finally, it was time for our individual presentations, which took place in our separate rooms. The biggest achievement I had through last week, even throughout this year, was Dr. Brinkman telling me that my final product may get published by Edward LifeSciences, which is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a high school student to accomplish.

This is the last weekly report of my ISM 1 journey, and it has truly been one of the most beneficial and unique classes that I have ever taken in my life. I got to get out of my comfort zone and learn to public speak, met with so many professionals and heard their experiences in the cardiothoracic field. I chose a mentor who has presented me with countless opportunities, let me observe his unique surgeries and even offered to let me shadow him in the clinic. Throughout this year, I have learned more than any other class that I have taken in my academic career, and I am so excited to continue my journey on cardiothoracic surgery in Independent Study and Mentorship 2. Until next year!