2018 In Review

Woah, its the end of another year and I can’t believe how quickly it went by. So many things happened this year and while I’d like to talk through everything, here are some of the significant highlights of my life in 2018.

Academics and Research

I took some of the most interesting classes in college this year. PHL 344 (Ethical Issues in Healthcare) and NEU 416 (Developmental Neuroscience) were my favorite classes in spring and fall respectively.

Research-wise, 2018 was a productive year. I co-authored two publications and I’m a first-author on another that’s in its final stages for publication. Even more exciting is the fact that my first two papers was about my home country (see photos below). I also had the opportunity to present my first-author publication at Harvard Medical School’s New England Science Symposium in April. Later in June, I had my first oral presentation at the American Society of Nutrition Annual Convention in Boston. Of course, none of these would be possible without my incredible research mentors; Dr. Fenton, Dr. Martin and Dr. Freedman.

Awards and Speaking Engagements

I was blessed with a couple awards this year. In April, I received the BIDMC Department of Neonatology award at the New England Science Symposium. I was also first place for poster presentation at the annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum for my research category. I also received the College of Natural science Dean’s Reseach scholarship for the second tme.

For speaking engagements, I spoke to 200+ Honors College campus-admit students to share my research experiences. I also sat on a panel to talk to incoming college of natural science freshman. Later in the fall semester, I was selected to speak at the groundbreaking event for the new STEM teaching and learning facility being built on campus. It was an honor to share the stage with MSU President Engler and other dignitaries to commemorate an important facility that will improve STEM teaching and learning at MSU.

Books and life

I didn’t meet my reading target this year- I only read two books and listened to two audiobooks. I read “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande, “Do no harm” by Henry Marsh, and listened to “Sapiens-A bried history of humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari and “Becoming” by Michelle Obama. I also plan to read more fiction next year.

I’ll be lying if I tell you this year was smooth- I had my share of challenges too. I spent a significant amount of time debating who I am and what I wanted to become. I got burned out mid summer through early August and had no energy to do anything. I was doing a lot, yet it felt like I was up to nothing. But I’m grateful to my family and friends that I can call and talk things through with. I’ve gotten better with selfcare, and continue to learn how life is really, a marathon and not a sprint.

In summary, 2018 was a great year. I’m so incredibly grateful to God and to my mentors for all the opportunities that came my way. Also thankful to my friends for riding with me through the highs and lows, and engaging in difficult, sometimes uncomfortable conversations ranging from race and religion to purpose and future aspirations. Looking forward to a better 2019!