The Fred Hutch Experience
Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center is a very big popular name that has been heard everywhere in the world. And I was given the chance to have a glimpse into the future of the cure for cancer through the Explorers program. This program is for incoming sophomores and juniors, which I personally found out about through my college and career coach at my school. I had heard and read about about Fred Hutch many times on the news and medical articles that discussed their breakthrough discoveries. I applied thinking “there's no way I’d ever get into that program!” On my flight back from a vacation I took over spring break, I got an email from the program. When I opened it I was thrilled and in so much shock that I actually got accepted.
My first day at the explorers program, they jumped right into it unlike what happens at school. We did labs, readings, discussions, and other really fun activities. The community is amazing! Everyone there has a love for biology in so many different ways. The leaders of the explorers are so encouraging and wanting what's best for you personally. Never once did I feel scared to ask a question or to ask for help.
Over the next two weeks you get to see and experience the real thing. Actual scientists researching everything there is about cancer and how to find ways to cure it. You get to do real labs that other scientists do on a daily basis, you go on tours and meet so many people who are so passionate about their work, and hear lectures from specialized researchers. You also get to meet other high schoolers who are doing summer programs as well.
My personal favorite time at Fred Hutch was touring working labs that would do research you never even knew was a thing. They interacted with us just as if we were equals in knowledge and answered any questions we had. Sometimes they even started asking us questions! It isn't an everyday thing when you get to see the ‘behind the scenes’ of cancer research, which is pretty special if you ask me.
Overall, this program is a once in a lifetime experience that I had the honor to be chosen to be a part of and I learned so much in the two weeks I was here. I will never forget my experience I got to spend at Fred Hutch, and will definitely consider joining Fred Hutch and their journey to finding the cure to cancer, after I graduate.
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