COOP 1000/MEDS 2030C
This past fall, I had the amazing opportunity to work for the University of Cincinnati's Learning Commons as a Learning Assistant for MEDS2030C - Biomedical Lab Techniques. In conjunction with that, I enrolled in COOP1000, which helped me develop very meaningful skills through this experience.
Reflection
When I first started this experience, I was very nervous. I had taught students before through my position as an Assistant TA for the biology department, but I knew that this was going to be much more hands-on. I started in this role by helping lead the Medical Sciences Summer Institute in the summer prior to the fall semester. This opportunity allowed me to learn how the teach the course in a condensed form to high school students. Following this, I completed the Learning Commons training modules for the course with solidified my confidence entering the fall semester.
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I have had an amazing experience with this course and plan to continue working for the Learning Commons in the spring. I have loved the structure that Coop 1000 has given me for reflecting on my experiences in this role. I believe that this has enhanced my personal growth throughout this opportunity. If I stay in this opportunity throughout the spring I will definitely register for Coop 2000 to have this same built-in structure.
Overall, this role taught me many things about myself. I believe that I have become a better leader. My communication and teaching skills have improved exponentially. I also believe that I have learned a lot about accountability. This position has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I am so grateful that I had the amazing experience of teaching others about the science I love while also growing myself. This opportunity has shown me that while I am interested in being a physician, involvement in academia could also be a possibility for me.