One of the strongest traits I have, most of all, is being able to build connections with people in a very real and deliberate manner. I have been an outgoing person throughout my life, and over time, I’ve realized that it is not the interactions themselves that are most important, but rather the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences. Each person goes by a different story, and such differences build the way they move through academic and professional pathways.
At Wesleyan, these relationships have included students, professors, faculty, program directors, and people from fields I had never considered before. Learning from their different perspectives opened up doors to my newfound interests while helping me to understand the kind of professional I hope to become. These conversations have introduced me to different paths, different disciplines, and communities far beyond my own.
Networking has meant so much to me as it has built me not only in skills but also in awareness. One of the best examples is my existing connection with April Ruiz, my WESMass mentor. She’s branched connections for me with a dentist that I’m looking forward to gaining shadowing experience from and also sprouting a genuine relationship with. Moments like these remind me that being curious, asking thoughtful questions, and following up sincerely can create opportunities that shape my future.
I do not develop relationships for what I can draw out of them; I build them because I treasure learning from others and rather enjoy true connections that strengthen both sides. Over the years, people have come to trust me with their new ideas, accompanied duties, and opportunities simply because they realize I am committed, hard-working, and eager to keep growing.
