In the course of the Fred Hutch Explorers Program I had the privilege to learn and meet amazing people that, like me, pursue and have shared interests. It gave me a clear understanding as to what research is and why it’s important, which in this case is mainly for Cancer Research. I got to learn the basics of multiple things, the hallmarks of cancer cells, micropipetting, and had the opportunity to listen to amazing speakers that in real life do research as their everyday life. The highlight of my experience here was a specific speaker, Alicia Morales.
Alicia came in and explained to us the fundamentals of immunotherapy and introduced to most of us the topic of Imposter Syndrome. Although both of these topics may be different they somehow have a connection. Starting off with the topic of Immunotherapy, she gave us a further explanation as to what it is. What’s the immune system's job? What are CART- cells? What’s the job of Cytotoxic T-cells? Not only did this lecture give me answers and more knowledge towards immunotherapy but it also furthered my curiosity. In the field of medicine and research the possibilities are endless, every procedure, every single treatment, the research of each individual cell has its own purpose. And with this talk it made me realize it more profoundly. This topic connects to Imposter Syndrome because she later explains how it had a great impact on her personal life. “Imposter syndrome is the condition of feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally, despite being high-performing in external, objective ways.” Listening to this topic and the definition of what Imposter Syndrome is made me realize there’s a true definition as to how I feel from time to time. Overall, she later explains how she would contradict herself as to feeling that she didn’t deserve any of her accomplishments and how she felt like people then around her supported her but she would switch those thoughts to negative. This made me realize how I wasn’t the only one that felt this way, which in a way was relieving.
My personal example of how Imposter Syndrome has affected my thoughts. Everyone shared their feelings on a single piece of paper, at first I was a bit stumped about what to write or draw but then ended up with exactly what I was feeling
In conclusion, these certain topics made a great impression on me by giving me more information to feed on. Not only for my later career choice but this experience also made me understand myself better and find answers I have been looking for. The Fred Hutch Explores Program, is an exceptional, informational and fun experience. With this experience I will continue to pursue my dream in the Medical Field, with the added bonus of having more knowledge on Cancer Research.