Secret Sauce

Five Unique Things About Me

1. I believe I have unique interests. Urban entomology is a very specific form of biology. Most college students do not study entomology for one of two reasons. Their university may not offer entomology degrees, or they are unaware of the careers they can pursue with this degree. The insects studied by urban entomologists are also considered creepy. These insects include bed bugs, mosquitoes, cockroaches, fruit flies, and silverfish. Overall, I believe my interests are unique.

2. I have research experience. My undergraduate research experience with bed bugs has given me the opportunity to interact with and learn more about these insects. It is interesting to watch these bugs go about their lives. My idea for the product I am creating for this class has stemmed from this research. If I did not work in the lab I am in, I would not know that bed bugs are attracted to heated water.

3. I never give up (even when I really should). My first semester at UF, I took both calculus 1 and chemistry 1. This was a mistake. Both of these are considered weed-out classes and require hours of studying. I ended up passing both classes, but often stayed up until 3 am to finish homework or understand the material. I probably would have been healthier, both physically and mentally, if I took these during different semesters or dropped a class. Overall, these classes helped build my work ethic and taught me to never give up.

4. I have certain values and try my best to live by these values. I value physical and mental health. Even when I have a lot of work to do, I try to make time to go for a run and/or prepare a healthy dinner. Some other values of mine include making time for friends and always being kind. I try my best to live by these values and cannot see myself diverging from these principles.

5. I try to see from other people's point of view. When I disagree with someone, I always try to see the problem from their perspective. Although I tend to stick to my beliefs and values, I believe my ability to empathize with people has allowed me to compromise with others in the past.

Interviews

1. The first interview is with my dad. He said that I am different because I go out of my way to accomplish things, whether that thing is to pass a class or catch a bug. The "catching a bug" reference refers to the insect collections I have to prepare for my entomology classes. 

2. The second interview is with my mom. She believes I have the ability to persuade others. 

3. The third interview is with my grandma. She believes I work well with elderly people. She is referring to the time I volunteered at an assisted living facility.

4. The fourth interview is with a friend I've had since I started college. His name is Ryan. He believes my interest in entomology makes me unique.

5. The fifth interview is with a family friend. His name is Ben. He believes my determination to accomplish things makes me unique.

Reflection: Some of the things I believe about myself compared to the statements made by others. Ryan and I both believe that I have unique interests. Some people said things that I found shocking because I did not believe I possessed that trait. I was very shocked by my grandma's statement that I worked well with elderly people because I have not volunteered at that facility since I was 15. I barely remember my time there.