Reflection

          Overall, I feel that the Academies of Sciences have molded me to be a better individual in many ways, and my progression has been shown through research over the years. As seen in the freshman-year lab reports that were conducted, I was just getting a feel for what lab reports and other forms of scientific papers were to be like. Forwarding into my sophomore year, I was able to get a greater grip on the scientific field, and the progress is seen within the paper. Moving forward to junior year, I was able to work on refining the skills I have learned over the years. I was introduced to a full research-oriented class where I was to constantly be at my best.

          One of the biggest aspects of AOS for me was the scientific research project. Late in our sophomore year, we were tasked with coming up with a novel scientific research project. Over the year, I was able to develop the framework for the research I conducted this year. In junior year, I was able to learn so many skills and had to situate myself with formal research. This included logging work every single day, following a very strict schedule, and using professional data collection techniques. This introduced me to a labratory setting where I was to work by myself. This research helped me evolve greatly as I was tasked with doing research on my own, and any issues or problems were challenges I had to overcome without being fed all the solutions.

          Other than science, the academies have allowed me to expand and find what I enjoy. Because of the academies, I was encouraged to join my school's Model UN team, where I quickly became one of the best and constantly enjoyed myself. I was also able to play tennis, and all these skills really helped me become the person I am today. All my extracurriculars, research, struggles, and more all pave the path for who I am and have taught me so much since freshman year.