…There

Hello! This is my final ISM blog post because I have finished ISM!!! I am so excited to be done with ISM, not because I hate the class, but because it signifies that I have accomplished so much this past year.

Takeaway

The most important takeaway from ISM this year is my confidence. When I first applied for ISM, I was so unsure of whether or not I would be able to create meaningful products and actually do something worthwhile. Of course, as the year went by, that feeling grew in a sort of imposter syndrome (especially after the meeting with Dr. Younas); However, I was able to calm myself down, and I reminded myself that I was doing my best with whatever tools I had. This mental fortitude has led to my increased confidence. I am sure that in the future, this confidence will lead me to success.

Accomplishments

This year, I have met most my ISM goals. I have been able to create products that actually can make a difference in my community (the pamphlet educates patients and the checklists reduce anesthesiologist errors, both lead to better patient outcomes). I have also been able to work on my professional skills, which have led me to be much more comfortable speaking in public and to strangers that I was at the beginning at the year. I have also been able to network with medical professionals (Dr. Mendoza and Dr. Younas). Most importantly, I feel confident in following the pre-med track in college, which was the chief motivator for me to take ISM this year.

Therefore, I have adhered to my quote "What we think, we become" - Buddha. I have thought about and planned for the future, and therefore, I am more future-ready that I was at the beginning of the year.

Thank you for joining me on my ISM journey!