Prompt: What did you learn about the problem, about the community, about yourself? How will the work you did in CODES relate to your remaining time at SIUE, to the career you are planning for yourself, and to the person you want to be?
I learned that no matter the background, we all share the same experiences, just in different intensities, so it is good to appreciate the highs and lows in your life. We worked with high school-age kids of color, and while they all came from different backgrounds, they were all in the same environment. They all learned from one another and had to overcome things together as one. The children faced adversity within their community with low graduation rates. Our research showed that if they had someone to advise, support, and guide them in their studies, it would benefit them and give them a higher chance of graduating. While I mentored at the Alton Boys and Girls Club, I gained a profound understanding of the complexities involved in effective mentorship. I learned that successful mentorship is built on building strong, trust-based relationships and adapting to problems to meet the diverse needs of mentees. Within the remaining time, I am here at SIUE, and my future career as a nurse, adaptability, empathy, and effective communication will be crucial for building strong patient relationships, providing personalized care, and leading teams. The commitment to ongoing learning and reflection developed through this project will improve me as a healthcare professional and a compassionate individual dedicated to making a positive impact.