I have learned a great deal this summer. While participating in the EUREKA program, I have learned a great deal about networking with industry and UCSB faculty, how to give a good presentation, and a possible future in graduate school. While at the same time, I have learned a great deal of information about my project and field through my many hours of lab work. However, as the summer comes to end I have started to put thought into how I want the next academic year to play out. I aim to improve my GPA through changes in my time management and study habits. While my GPA is not low currently, as I come closer to the end of my undergraduate career at UCSB, I would like to a more competitive applicant for any graduate program I apply for. While I do aim to improve my GPA, I do want to have a very active role in my research lab. Going about next year will prove to be very difficult, however, I am determined to work out a schedule that will allow me to study effectively and still participate in research.

For next summer, I plan to either participate in another research fellowship like EUREKA, taking summer classes, or work in a health clinic for clinical hours. I may even try to do some combination of the three. UCSB offers many different types of research fellowships and grants that will allow me to stay for the summer and pursue my interests and allow me to become a more competitive applicant for the future. While I am not certain on what I will be doing next summer, I still plan on being involved in undergraduate research. I imagine that I will still maintain an active role in research for the rest of my undergraduate career for research was the main reason why I chose to enroll in UCSB.