What?, So What?, Now What?

    During the community service event, I witnessed widespread excitement and collaboration. The teams appeared to be engaged in the activities and eager to construct the bikes. 

   Although I did not gain any new skills, it was interesting to network with the variety of research students present. I was not expecting so many people to be out-of-state, or even out-of-the-country!

   What I enjoyed most about the event was connecting with everybody despite our geographical differences. It was refreshing to gain a different perspective on research, but comforting to know everyone experiences the same research challenges. 

   Much of my own research centers around recruiting people for a survey-study. In the clinical setting, I can definitely apply the same interpersonal skills I used during the community service event. It is always a valuable opportunity to network with new faces, and increasingly step out of your comfort zone. 

   If I could participate in this event again, I would hope for more challenging activities so I could interact with everybody on an even deeper level.