Throughout the Health Sciences program, my understanding of healthcare has grown tremendously—from viewing it through a basic clinical lens to appreciating the deeper intersections of patient care, health equity, prevention, and interdisciplinary collaboration. One of the most transformative experiences was learning how health education and policy can shape community outcomes. This made me realize the importance of addressing social determinants of health and fueled my interest in both direct patient care and systems-level improvement. Courses that involved patient case studies and ethical dilemmas pushed me to think more critically and holistically about healthcare delivery.

Over the course of this program, I’ve developed into a more confident communicator, problem solver, and team player. Presenting on community health initiatives and participating in collaborative group projects taught me how to speak clearly, listen actively, and contribute meaningfully even when opinions differed. I also grew as a creative thinker—especially when designing interventions or proposing care models for underserved populations. This course challenged my assumptions and helped me build skills in research, cultural competency, and evidence-based reasoning that I’ll carry forward in my future work.

This capstone course came at a time when I was juggling a lot—working, preparing my application for PA school, searching for an internship, and still trying to stay on top of schoolwork. It felt overwhelming at times trying to meet deadlines while also making sure I had strong application materials and enough clinical experience. I constantly had to adjust my schedule, sacrifice sleep, and push through exhaustion. But despite the stress, I kept going. I learned how to prioritize what mattered most, stay focused on my long-term goals, and not be afraid to ask for help when I needed it. This experience taught me that growth often happens during the most chaotic seasons—and that I’m capable of more than I realized.