Learning Statement
At certain points in my life, I take a moment to stop and think about what “past Anna” would have thought about where I am now, a version of myself who couldn’t even begin to imagine what the future might look like. I look back at when I was in my first year at UW, and I wasn’t really sure what I was doing. The four years ahead of me seemed very long, and there was so much on my mind! I knew I wanted to do research and internships, get scholarships, study abroad, and find community at UW. While I think that “past Anna” would be very happy to hear that I was able to accomplish nearly all of these goals, I have also started to think more about my own happiness and aspirations.
During my time at UW, I have been very fortunate to discover my passion for biochemical oceanography. In addition to learning about biochemistry and oceanography in my courses of study, I have had amazing undergraduate research experiences, something that I was very eager to do when I was a freshman. Two research experiences that stick out to me include my summer research internship in Florida that I did through the NOAA Hollings Scholarship program and my work in Dr. Anitra Ingalls’s biochemical oceanography lab at UW. Through these research experiences, I have gained data analysis and coding skills, field work experience, and met a great network of passionate researchers in marine science. I also became more independent and more confident in myself. These experiences have made me even more excited to pursue graduate school in the future in order to become an oceanographic researcher or professor. A successful life for me looks like a happy one where I can do what I love, and I am very pleased to have chosen to research oceanography. I love the adventurous aspect of field work and learning about marine life.
In addition, I have also learned about the importance of a good work-life balance while at UW. In my first few years, I prioritized school and my grades over my mental health and social life. However, in my senior year my goal has been to take care of myself and my brain better. I have made new friends, given myself enough time to rest, and joined RSOs like the Chinese Student Association and the wonderful and supportive dance team for Traditional Chinese Dance. “Past Anna” would be very happy to hear about the community and friendships I have found here.
It’s truly amazing how much I have grown in just four years, and how much I have managed to learn! I not only learned so much about biochemistry and oceanography, but have also learned that I find happiness and fulfillment both from doing what I love and through good relationships with others and myself. I believe that Anna from freshman year would be incredibly proud of me for sticking with it and accomplishing my goals. I’m excited to see what I will do even further in the future!
I have continuously updated this portfolio throughout my time here, so it provides a snapshot of my life at different points during my college career. Feel free to look around and see the "different Anna's" throughout the years.
During my time at UW, I have been very fortunate to discover my passion for biochemical oceanography. In addition to learning about biochemistry and oceanography in my courses of study, I have had amazing undergraduate research experiences, something that I was very eager to do when I was a freshman. Two research experiences that stick out to me include my summer research internship in Florida that I did through the NOAA Hollings Scholarship program and my work in Dr. Anitra Ingalls’s biochemical oceanography lab at UW. Through these research experiences, I have gained data analysis and coding skills, field work experience, and met a great network of passionate researchers in marine science. I also became more independent and more confident in myself. These experiences have made me even more excited to pursue graduate school in the future in order to become an oceanographic researcher or professor. A successful life for me looks like a happy one where I can do what I love, and I am very pleased to have chosen to research oceanography. I love the adventurous aspect of field work and learning about marine life.
In addition, I have also learned about the importance of a good work-life balance while at UW. In my first few years, I prioritized school and my grades over my mental health and social life. However, in my senior year my goal has been to take care of myself and my brain better. I have made new friends, given myself enough time to rest, and joined RSOs like the Chinese Student Association and the wonderful and supportive dance team for Traditional Chinese Dance. “Past Anna” would be very happy to hear about the community and friendships I have found here.
It’s truly amazing how much I have grown in just four years, and how much I have managed to learn! I not only learned so much about biochemistry and oceanography, but have also learned that I find happiness and fulfillment both from doing what I love and through good relationships with others and myself. I believe that Anna from freshman year would be incredibly proud of me for sticking with it and accomplishing my goals. I’m excited to see what I will do even further in the future!
I have continuously updated this portfolio throughout my time here, so it provides a snapshot of my life at different points during my college career. Feel free to look around and see the "different Anna's" throughout the years.