Reflection The past year has been one of incredible growth for me, not only academically but also as a person. The academic and social environment at University of Cincinnati, and especially within the Medical Sciences program, has long since exceeded my highest expectations. I have loved the collective drive of students, the shared passion for medicine and learning, and, rather than an environment of cut-throat competition, the culture of collaboration and camaraderie. Continuously seeking to challenge myself and further my growth in this environment, I have continued to develop skills in forming connections, managing time, and fortifying my strengths and weaknesses. Most importantly, I have come to realize the significance of having a supportive environment, and the value, as an individual, of emulating positivity and empathy. Becoming a part of Cincinnati has enabled me to discover more about myself as I learn about the diverse communities around me. Volunteering as an orchestra assistant through MyCincinnati and at St. Vincent de Paul to distribute food has provided countless valuable opportunities of interacting with people with distinctly different stories and backgrounds. In particular, I have greatly enjoyed my interactions with individuals of the Hispanic community. My experiences as a volunteer have kindled in me a desire to better communicate during these interactions, through a better understanding of the Spanish language. Whether in the immediate future as a volunteer, or further down the line as a physician, my experiences as a volunteer have led me to the goal of continuously improving my ability to communicate with wider communities of people. In reflecting on my first year as an undergraduate at UC, I have identified areas of personal strength and weakness, enabling me to envision how I want to progress, change, and improve in the future. In the coming school year, I aim to establish greater rapport with my teachers. I also plan to continue improving my skills through experiences such as research, greater involvement on campus, and volunteering. I hope to form a group of students who volunteer in sharing their talents, whether it be magic tricks or playing musical instruments, at healthcare facilities such as nursing homes, hospitals, or clinics. I plan to regain and improve my fluency in Spanish to expand my communicative abilities. The coming year is one I look forward to in finding new interests, expanding on old ones, and fully appreciating the opportunity to engage in both UC and the greater communities around me.