Reflection Within the last year, I have had two different honors experiences that have greatly impacted me! My first honors experience was spending the summer as a full time as a research student. I worked on a project known as Mechanisms of Progression of Atopic Dermatitis to Asthma in Children, or MPAACH, in Dr. Hershey’s lab under the Asthma Research division at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Through this experience I grew professionally, academically, and personally. I helped with clinical visits with young children, recruitment of new participants, sample processing in the lab, and making clinical supplies. I have learned about the variables that impact the atopic march in children. This experience allowed me to improve my communication, organization, and many other skills in a clinical setting. Working full time during the summer helped me establish a professional mindset to use in the workplace as well as form professional connections with peers and mentors at CCHMC. From working on the MPAACH team, I have also expanded my knowledge and understanding of the development of and relationship among allergies, asthma, and eczema. I can also see the possibility of working with children in my future career. My second honors experience was this past spring semester, where I took a new honors seminar called “From Neurons to Picasso.” Two professors, one from the neuroscience department and one from DAAP, hosted this class to study the intersection of neuroscience and art. We looked at various perspectives, studying concepts such as the biology of sight, perception versus reality, and the evolution of art and creativity in humans. The class was designed to have both lectures and experiential labs, which made the class more engaging and memorable. Being a STEM major, I enjoyed this opportunity to learn more about the evolution and history of human art and creativity. This class called for critical thinking skills to address questions I may not have thought of by myself, such as whether drawing can be considered a type of reasoning. Overall, it further stimulated my interest in neuroscience and appreciation for human creativity. As I enter my third year of undergrad, my main goal is preparing to take the MCAT exam and searching for what medical schools I want to apply to. This is a critical year for my future career and thus I want to focus on these two aspects. Additionally, I aim to continue performing well academically and be more involved on campus as an Honors Ambassador and the On-boarding Committee Chair of the Undergraduate Research Society. I am looking forward to another year at UC!