Introduction:
When I entered the IU Indianapolis Honors College through H200, I was a motivated freshman still unsure of my academic and professional goals. My original Journey Map reflected my intention to strengthen my academic foundation by improving my performance in courses such as chemistry, pursue structured research opportunities through programs like the Diversity Scholars Research Program (DSRP), and gain hands-on research experience by the Roper Lab and clinical experience as a medical assistant. At the time, these goals represented both my aspirations and my desire to better understand my place within STEM and healthcare.
Original H200 Statement
This course helped me develop my identity as an Honors College student; by allowing me to form connections with honors peers, mentors and faculty. This course also made me think intentionally about my plans as an Honors College student at IUPUI. I also learned more about the requirements of my scholarship, how to develop honors contracts, where to find honors courses and how to set myself up for success.
Updated Statements
“I Am” Statement
I am inquisitive and curious, especially when it comes to understanding why biological and medical processes occur. I am hardworking, resilient, and deeply dedicated to my academic and personal growth. I am artistic and expressive through my interests in drawing and playing volleyball. I am compassionate and fulfilled by serving my community and forming meaningful connections with others. I am an advocate for equity in STEM and healthcare, particularly for women and people of color. I am a CLD alum, Chancellor Scholar, DSRP Scholar, member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and a proud Indiana University Indianapolis alum who values scholarship, service, and leadership.
“I Want to Become” Statement
I want to become a successful Black woman in medicine as a future Physician Assistant specializing in cardiothoracic surgery. I aspire to practice with empathy, integrity, and intentionality, ensuring that my patients and their families feel seen, heard, and respected. I want to bridge the equity gap in healthcare by advocating for underserved communities and addressing disparities that disproportionately affect people of color.
As I grow in my career, I want to remain authentic to my core values and use my education and position to uplift others rather than exploit power or privilege. I am committed to supporting and mentoring women and people of color who are interested in STEM and medical careers. I also want to continue contributing to scientific research that advances medicine and improves patient outcomes.
I am excited to pursue my Physician Assistant education in Ohio and continue developing into a culturally aware, well rounded healthcare provider.
Reflection
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My Actual Honors Journey map
This Showcase Artifact juxtaposes my original H200 Journey Map with my actual Honors Journey as a soon-to-be graduate. The plant template shows my love for plants, my growth and botany from my major, I show how my academic goals, research ambitions, and leadership plans evolved through challenges and growth.
My Original H200 journey map
One of our first assignments was to write a statement about who we were. Like many other college students, I felt that I was still in the process of figuring that out. This assignment made me think about my accomplishments, skills, goals, hobbies, and core values at that point in my academic journey. It challenged me to paraphrase and condense the aspects that made me who I was into a short statement.
Overall, this assignment also made me put more thought into my short term and long term goals. I considered how my short term goals would lead to reaching my long term goals and career success. Although I was not one hundred percent certain of my career path at the time, I knew where my passion lay and what direction I could begin in. Now, as an Indiana University Indianapolis alum, reflecting back on this assignment helped me recognize how much I have grown and how my experiences have shaped who I am and who I am becoming. It reinforced the importance of staying true to my values as I continue developing in my journey as a future healthcare professional.
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Reflection:
My original H200 Journey Map was very planned and meticulous however; my actual Honors Journey challenged in ways I could not have anticipated. During my time in the Honors College, planned opportunities shifted or disappeared, including the dissolution of DSRP and the passing of our program director, which forced me to navigate uncertainty and grief while continuing my academic responsibilities. At the same time, balancing night shift work with coursework intensified feelings of exhaustion and imposter syndrome, particularly as a woman of color in STEM spaces where I often questioned whether I truly belonged. Despite these challenges, I persisted. Through clinical work, research involvement, and leadership within Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., I developed resilience, self-advocacy, and confidence in my ability to succeed. Comparing my original H200 plan to my lived experience reveals a shift from expectation to reality. As an alum, I leave the IUI Honors College with a deeper understanding of myself and a commitment to improving equity in healthcare.