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Something that represents me is the amount of love I am filled with when I'm around my family. They are my #1 supporters and I am so grateful for how they have shown up for me despite coming to America with nothing for themselves.

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One of my talents that I believe will be most instrumental in helping me fulfill my dreams as well as my desires for this year is being a developer. I say developer because I want to make sure to praise people when I see them moving toward a goal of theirs. I find my ability to spot the small steps of improvements can motivate others to keep going- including myself and being easier on myself. I've come to realize that I've accomplished more than I recognized. I want to work on being able to vocally share the vision of potential I see in myself as well as for others.

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Today was a really crappy day. These past two months have been extremely questionable for me. I feel as if I’m in limbo… lost. I feel like things are not falling into place for me the way that I would like to and that the universe just decided not to favor me one random day. Days began to feel longer, sleeping 8 hours doesn’t feel enough, feeling like the world is out to get you, all of the negative feelings that end up draining all the energy you had. Though after watching Carol Deck’s video and then I ended up falling into a loophole on growth mindset— it gave me a bit of grace and an understanding to know that I’m not the only one who is struggling with a fixed mindset or feeling stuck in one place. This inspired me to create a routine for myself of starting with a list of things I am grateful for every. single. morning. along with finding a path where I turn a setback/negative experience into a learning experience and improve.

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I’m really upset. Not REALLY upset, but I’m disapppointed. I studied my butt off for genetics today and got my exam back and all I want to do is just scream into my pillow and literally never leave my oasis (my room.) Though before I actually went through with my plan of having a breakdown- I took a minute to take a deep breath and truly rationalize with my emotions, feelings, and thoughts. What was I feeling? Frustration, discouragement, self-doubt, disheartened, feeling like my late nights and early mornings were spent in vain. Reflecting on the situation, I realized that dwelling on negative emotions wouldn't help me move forward. Instead, I needed to recognize that embracing challenges, persists in the face of setbacks, and see failures as opportunities for learning and growth. This midterm grade wasn't a reflection of my intelligence or worth but rather a stepping stone onto doing better. I realized this because circling back to one of the things I was grateful for- having the privilege to learn and being able to use my brain. Instead of speaking to negatively on things that are a privilege, turn it into a positive. Perhaps I had focused too much on memorization rather than understanding the underlying concepts. Maybe I hadn't utilized resources effectively… but I refuse to let that exam define me. I chose to view it as a learning experience, a wake up call. Moving forward, I intend to seek help from my professor and peers to gain a deeper understanding of the material.. by embracing challenges and persisting in the face of adversity, I'm confident that I can turn this setback into an opportunity for growth and academic success with time.

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My childhood and first pet is gone. Seeing him suffer was unbearable, yet the realization that this would be our final moments together truly filled me so much sadness. Now the veterinary clinic I took Hiro to the day that we took him home, which was usually a place of healing and really good treats, became a solemn place for our final moments together. I have so many emotions whirling around this small body of mine as I tried to come to terms with the fact that I needed to make the decision of putting him to sleep. Everything consumed me… especially the feeling of this profound sense of loss, loneliness, guilt, questioning whether I had done enough to ease Hiro’s suffering or if there was more I could have done to prolong her life. Taking a minute to reflect before I send myself into a spiral that will be hard to get out of, I recognized the impact Hiro had on my life these past 14 years and the void her absence would leave behind. The loss of a pet is not just the end of a companionship; it's having to unravel the countless of cherished memories, the routine I built around him, loving him and being loved by him unconditionally. After Hiro’s passing, I found myself struggling to cope with the emptiness and grief that enveloped me. The negative headspace I feel trapped in feels suffocating, making it difficult to find solace or comfort in anything or anyone. However, it took a bit to realize that dwelling solely on the pain and sadness would not bring Luna back nor honor her memory in the way she deserved. While the pain of losing Hiro feels like I’ve lost a limb, I know that with time, healing will come. I continue to remind myself the importance of embracing a growth mindset, even in the face of profound loss… Instead of wallowing in my own despair, I choose to view his passing as an opportunity to truly cultivate resilience and strength. Moving forward, I recognize the importance of allowing myself to grieve and process the loss in my own time. Seeking support from loved ones and engaging in activities that bring comfort and solace will be crucial steps in navigating through this period of grief.

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I want to say I’m doing better, but I hate lying. Literally I feel like I’m fighting for my life every single day right now especially after being sick and grieving the loss of my dog. Each day feels like a marathon—like a relentless sprint from one obligation to the next, leaving little room for rest… like an uphill battle. But HEY! I'm channeling my inner growth mindset warrior, determined to rise above the madness and come out stronger on the other side. It’s literally classes, deadlines, work, meetings—it's a never-ending cycle. And on top of all that, there's the void left by Hiro’s absence, a constant reminder of how fragile life is. My emotions are seriously all over the place, similar to a playlist on shuffle. Frustration, sadness, overwhelm—you name it, I've felt it. But amidst the chaos of it all, there's a glimmer of hope, a teeny tiny voice telling me to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things get. Taking a step back, I'm realizing that every challenge I face—whether it's failing a test, juggling multiple responsibilities, or saying goodbye to Hiro—has the potential to be a learning experience. It's all about perspective, right? Instead of letting these setbacks drag me down, I'm choosing to see them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Losing Luna has been a gut-wrenching experience, but I'm finding strength in the belief that her memory will live on in the love and memories she left behind. Similarly, the struggles I face in school and work are just bumps in the road, not roadblocks. I'm embracing the chaos, knowing that each challenge I come by is shaping me into the badass I'm destined to be. As I ride the wave of life's ups and downs, I'm embracing my inner growth mindset guru, ready to tackle whatever comes my way with grit and determination. Sure, the road ahead might be rocky, but I've got the resilience of a thousand suns burning bright within me. Moving forward, I'm committing to approaching each challenge with a badass attitude and an unwavering belief in my ability to kick ass and take names. Whether it's acing that next exam, crushing it at work, or simply getting out of bed in the morning, I'm ready to show life who's boss. (I hope I can keep this mindset forever)

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Today's class regarding Power of Habit resonated super well with me.

One habit I hope to alter is eating when stressed

Cue: Feeling stressed and overwhelmed after a long day of classes and studying.

Routine: Turning to unhealthy snacks like chips and cookies while binge-watching TV shows as a way to unwind and distract from stress.

Reward: Temporary comfort and distraction from the stress of college life, along with the pleasure of indulging in tasty but unhealthy and reallyyyy processed snacks.

FLIPPING THE SCRIPT

New Cue: Feeling stressed and overwhelmed after a long day of classes and studying.

New Routine: Engaging in a 10-minute mindfulness meditation session or deep breathing exercises to relax and clear my mind or even journaling to keep me grounded.

New Reward: Feeling a sense of calm and inner peace, improved focus and concentration for studying, and a healthier way to manage stress.

SMART Goal: I will dedicate 10 minutes every evening after my last class or study session to practice mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises. I will find an app to track my progress by using a meditation app to log my daily sessions and noting any changes in my stress levels and ability to focus or make sure I journal everyday. I will start with just 5 minutes of meditation each evening and gradually increase the duration to 10 minutes as I become more comfortable with the practice. This goal directly aligns with my desire to improve my mental well-being and academic performance by adopting healthier stress management strategies. Time-bound: I will commit to practicing mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises every evening for the next week, starting today (I hope.)

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Empathy and compassion are really important in patient interactions because they help build trust and make patients feel more comfortable. Being a medical assistant who has worked closely with patients, I’ve learned that even small acts of kindness, like listening or showing that you care, can make a big difference. When patients feel understood, they’re more likely to open up, which helps with providing better care. The positives of using empathy and compassion include better communication and making the patient’s experience less stressful, but there can be challenges too. Things like being short on time or feeling emotionally drained can make it hard to always show empathy. Connecting with patients on a deeper level can sometimes affect your own well-being because it’s easy to take on their struggles, but finding ways to take care of yourself helps keep that balance.

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One of my greatest strengths in time management is my adaptability; I can adjust my plans when unexpected events arise. I also tend to be productive when I work in focused bursts, which helps me get things done efficiently. However, I struggle with prioritizing tasks effectively at times and often find myself overwhelmed by my to-do lists, making it hard to determine what needs to be done NOW.

One area I want to improve is my ability to prioritize tasks. Sometimes, I get caught up in completing smaller tasks instead of focusing on the ones that have more significant deadlines or impact.

SMART Goal: By the end of this semester, I will improve my prioritization skills by implementing the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize my tasks into urgent and important. I will dedicate 15 minutes each Sunday to review my upcoming week and create a prioritized task list based on this method. I will also reflect on my progress each week to see if I’m effectively tackling the most critical tasks first.

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I exhibit a growth mindset by consistently reminding myself that challenges are opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. When faced with setbacks, I often tell myself, "This is a chance to learn and improve," which helps me stay motivated and resilient. I also embrace feedback as a valuable tool for my development; I actively seek out constructive criticism and view it as a way to enhance my skills.

Another way I embody a growth mindset is by setting aside time to reflect on my experiences and identify areas for improvement. I regularly affirm that effort leads to progress, and I often remind myself that mastery takes time. When I encounter difficult subjects or tasks, I tell myself, “It’s okay to struggle; that’s how I learn.”

SMART Goal: To further nurture my growth mindset, I will commit to reading one personal development book each month for the next three months (or podcasts). I will take notes on how the concepts can apply to my studies and personal life, reflecting on how these ideas challenge me to adopt a more resilient approach. After three months, I will assess how these readings have influenced my mindset and ability to embrace challenges.

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When I am faced with a challenge or find myself in a challenging situation, I will pause. I will take a moment to define the challenge clearly, allowing myself to understand the situation better. I will remind myself that I have control over my actions, thoughts, and behaviors, and I can choose how to respond. I will remind myself that my determination and adaptability are my strengths and therefore are my balcony; that my ability to learn from past experiences are resources that are positive and have helped me in the past; that my friends and family are supportive of me and can help me navigate difficult times; that practicing mindfulness and maintaining a healthy routine are self-care strategies that I need not push to the side, but place emphasis on; and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. By taking these steps, I will cultivate a resilient mindset that allows me to grow and thrive despite challenges.

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My top five strengths—empathy, relator, developer, connectedness, and futuristic—relate closely to the concepts of habit formation, empathy and compassion, time and energy management, growth mindset, and resiliency. My empathy allows me to connect deeply with others, fostering compassionate interactions that build strong therapeutic relationships. The relator strength helps me form meaningful connections, and relating to them. As a developer, I recognize potential in myself and others, supporting a growth mindset, while my futuristic perspective enables me to envision positive outcomes and develop strategies to overcome challenges, thereby enhancing my resilience. This combination of strengths empowers me to adapt and thrive in both personal and professional settings.