AH 3099: Senior Capstone
Reflections & New directions
How have I grown personally:
Personal growth is not an overnight process; it takes positive and negative experiences to be able to grow. I can not say it was easy, but I learned to overcome academic and personal struggles and used them as motivation to keep going. I learned that no one would grab my hand and guide me through life.
Academic growth:
I learned to accept failure (e.g, receiving a bad grade on an exam, withdrawing/retaking a class, etc.). I knew that I was a hard-working student, even when I didn't understand the content, I felt comfort in knowing that I tried my best to do well in the class. I attended office hours, extra help (Special Instruction), I made friends within the class, and studied till I couldn't anymore....
Sometimes things don't go the way you want them to, and learning how to accept reality is the first step. I know what my passion is; no matter how many times I need to retake a course or reapply to a nursing program, I will do it because it is my passion.
"No matter how hard things get, no matter how many times you have to retake the same class, keep going. If you want to become a nurse, do not let anything stop you. You know in your heart that you want to help people, and that is God's gift to you." - Cashier from a small thrift store (Previously a psychiatric nurse)
Personal Growth:
I am still working on personal growth. Sometimes I still have moments of self-doubt. But I keep reminding my life that life does not have a linear timeline. I can't keep comparing myself to other peers, friends, or family members that are my age because we all come from different backgrounds, struggles, advantages, and disadvantages. If anything, I learned how to love myself more, I learned to have patience, and to know that I can do anything I put my mind to.
"Feeling behind is just a mentality; there is no such thing as being behind in life, because while one is still in good health and has passion, anything can be done." - Fidel Lema (my father)
How have my experiences shaped my future in healthcare?
I am no longer scared of the unknown; it is okay to feel lost. It is okay to ask for help. When I become a nurse, I know that I will be ready to ask questions because in my heart, I know that I am looking out for my patient.
The healthcare field is a continuous learning career type, whether it means I need to retake certifications (e.g, CPR) or gain new ones. I know that I will have the resilience and strength to continue learning and progressing within the nursing field.
I have learned patience from different jobs and experiences, which has allowed me to keep my composure and keep smiling through stressful situations.
Fun fact: A regular customer at my restaurant job referred to me as smiley :) (because I never stopped smiling!!)
Prompt from the UConn CEIN application: "Have you had any diverse multicultural or cross-cultural experiences? If so, how has that influenced your life?"
Where am I now, and what's next:
I am currently in my last semester at UConn with the intent of graduating this Fall in 2025. I am admitted into the UConn CEIN nursing program, and I will start in 2027. Despite not having completed my last prerequisite (MCB 2610: Microbiology), I was able to pass the course, and I will be retaking the course at a local community college. I no longer feel ashamed to admit that I wasn't able to receive the grade I needed because I did everything I could. I feel proud of myself for all the nights spent studying, all the office hours I attended, and all the study buddies I made because this is part of growing personally and academically. This course will not define the type of student I am or the nurse I will become!
What does graduating from AHS + HDFS mean to me:
I did not plan on becoming an AHS major nor a HDFS minor, but I am extremely grateful that I did. All the professors I made connections with, the friends, and other connections I made were extremely important for my career and personal growth. I could not be more thankful to everyone who has supported me along the way!
My takeaways from AHS
- Learning about the SDOH, Health Equity & Health Literacy
My takeaways from HDFS
- Learning about Child development, Family Violence & abuse.
What did I hope to accomplish in 2026:
After a rough last semester at UConn, I hope to accomplish the following
- Gain hands-on experience (as an EMT or Phlebotomist)
- Fix my sleeping schedule (which has been messed up from finals week)
- Spend time with friends & family
- Take time for self-care
- To continue growing as a student and as a young adult!
I wish to have a prosperous year, with all of the experiences I had at UConn and the friends I made. I know that I am capable and loved :)
How do I hope to feel in January 2027
In 2027, I hope to continue my self-growth journey. I hope that I will continue to be proud of myself, so I can be in the best mental state when I begin the CEIN UConn nursing program in January 2027!
Acceptance letter from the UConn CEIN program!!
Snapshot of Graduation Application!!
Snapshot: CEIN nursing scrubs try-on!
Advice for Future AHS/CEIN students
If you do not know what career path you want to take, but you know you have a passion for healthcare, I would 100% recommend Allied Health Sciences. There is so much variety for students as for courses you could take.
The advisors and professors within this major are wonderful and extremely supportive. They are more than just advisors, but also mentors, and I would even consider them to be like family :)
What academic advice would I give?
DO NOT GIVE UP...
There are always ways to make up a class, even if it means retaking the course you hate. If you are passionate about a certain career, then go for it. No matter how long it takes, no matter how much you want to give up.
If you are a first-generation student: Do it for yourself, despite you wanting to prove to your parents or family that you can do it on your own, sometimes you need a helping hand!
Ask for help, make new friends, and most of all, make sure to make time for yourself.
Don't forget that your parents migrated to give you a better life, so be grateful for the opportunity to receive an education.
You can do this!
At the end of the day, a grade does not define the student you are, the person you are, or how successful you will be in your career!
What experiences do I recommend?
- If you are going into the healthcare field, try to get a CNA, EMT, Phlebotomist, or PCT certification and begin gaining hands-on experience before starting a program if you can! The more familiar you are with patient care, the more prepared you will feel in the real world of healthcare!
- Ask for help always! Even if you feel like your question is silly or ridiculous you never know someone may have the same question but is too scared to ask! You could end up clarifying that question for someone.
What resources are most effective?
- On-campus resources: PRLACC, Uconn First Gen, Special instruction, and there are many more. Do your research, and I promise you someone will be a helping hand!
Final Reflection:
Although I have gone through many ups and downs at UConn, I could not have been more grateful to have gone through all these experiences because it has made me a better person, a better student, a more prepared to become a nurse. All the nights I spent wondering if I would graduate on time were worth it because in the end, I am proud to say that I am graduating a semester early. I am the FIRST, first-generation student in my family seeking a healthcare career as a nurse. I know that my parents are proud of me, but most importantly, I feel proud of myself. All of their support will never be taken for granted, and one day, when I am situated in my career, I will show them all the support back. Even though I have had some slip-ups along the way. Absolutely NO ONE could take my pride away from me. I have come a long way, and no matter what happens next, I know that I will be able to stand up once again and continue my path.
Lastly, I would like to thank all the people that I have met throughout this experience, friends, professors, advisors, and others. Without them, I would not have been able to change my mindset about my path, and without them, I would not have had such wonderful and fun experiences. I have learned advice that I will take on to the next step in my career: UConn CEIN Nursing program in 2027!!!
- Jessica Lema (AHS Student 2025)
