Reflection
As I discussed in my leadership philosophy paper, my leadership philosophy is constant change leads to a progressive path. Leadership means being capable enough to lead a group without bias or malicious intent. I motivate others by setting goals and overcoming challenges that arise. I strive to provide guidance and inspire others. As I mentioned, I currently serve as the president and founder of First Generation Medicine. This organization's purpose is to provide first-generation students with the tools necessary to become impactful leaders within the field of medicine (e.g., physician, dentist, nurse, PT, PA). We empower members through mentorship, volunteering, experiential learning, and more. Ultimately, we aim to foster a diverse community that leads to personal and professional growth. This is why my logo is on my vision board. First Gen. Med. exemplifies who I am and my leadership style. This organization is an extremely influential part of my time at UCF. I have formed many long-lasting relationships through this organization with those at UCFCOM and within UCF as a whole.
In addition, I also am a part of International Medical Outreach serving as the marketing director. This organization dedicates its efforts to providing means for its members to expand their cultural awareness regarding medicinal practices and living standards all over the globe. Through this organization, I understand the importance of international medical altruism, sustainability, cross-cultural integration, preventative healthcare in underserved communities. Through this, we hope to leave our helpful footprint on the impoverished and underserved areas of the world where medical care is scarce or nonexistent. The organization over the years has been to Peru, Haiti, New Orleans, Colombia, etc. The reason the logo is on my vision board is because I have enveloped myself in cultural disparities and cross-culturization.
On my vision board, I put plants because I believe my leadership path is continuously growing as I get older. In addition, I put a stethoscope because my career goal is to graduate and attend medical school in hopes of becoming a pediatric neurosurgical anesthesiologist. These intertwine with my leadership experience because I know as I grow beyond my undergraduate journey, I will be a completely different leader than I am now.
I added the logo to diversity and equity at UCFCOM because this department has changed the way I view leadership. The office of DEI includes a myriad of minority physicians who all work together for a common goal. These individuals have influenced and mentored me throughout my sophomore year. I got connected with them through my organization. This ties back to why First Generation Medicine continues to shape my leadership experiences at UCF. I have been shown that everyone has their own path to medicine and I have learned how to create my own path.
My vision board also includes a picture of my siblings and me because I am the oldest sibling. This has proven to be a life-long leadership role. Family is extremely important to me and I have been put into a leadership role as the older sibling to guide and mentor my younger siblings. I may have a different perspective from other children who are not the eldest because I had to go through life first and make decisions that may not have been ideal; however, along the way I learned from them.
I added the UCF Biomedical Sciences logo because this is my major. I also conduct research in this department under the supervision of Dr. Ahangari MD. I am currently writing a literature review on the link between neuro-developmental regression and mitochondrial dysfunction in autistic children. I got the idea to do this topic because my youngest sister has autism. This leadership role has taught me autonomy and taught me how to guide myself as a leader.
Finally, I included the UCF Sociology logo because I also conduct research in that department under the supervision of Dr. Donely, the director of UCF Sociology. Our team researches student homelessness and food insecurity on campus. This leadership experience has influenced my leadership overall because I learned how to care for others and for my campus on a deeper level.