Blog Reflection

After finishing all my hours with Dr. Song, I've come to realize how much I've grown during the process. This project has pushed me to use and sharpen skills that I wouldn't normally use on a daily basis. I mean I do use these skills, but not on this kind of level. Throughout the project I had to really use my critical thinking skills to solve all the problems I encountered since much of the learning was self-driven. I was the one who had to figure out what relates to what and if I couldn't remember what I had just learned I had to figure out a way to do so. Of course there were times I was just completely lost and had to ask Dr. Song for help, which then helped me with my communication and collaboration skills. I used to think that I was pretty communicative with those around me, but when I started this project I realized I'm actually not. For most of my project I literally had to keep in contact with Dr. Song or I would end missing a meeting or end up with a scheduling conflict. And for the times I was at her office I had to be able to communicate with her in way that she understood me and vice a versa, since English wasn't her first language. Therefore during the times we couldn't understand each other I had to be creative in order to convey what I was asking. I also had to be creative when I couldn't focus on studying the material or it was a slow day in the office. 

During my Capstone experience I've gained a lot from working with Dr. Song. I've gained insight into her beliefs and philosophies about patient care and service; how extensive this field can be; even if you have your desired degree you never stop learning and bettering yourself; not to overwork yourself and so much more. Socially I learned that if you care for those around you selflessly the return and gain is worth much more than ever anticipated. This isn't an unfamiliar concept, building networks with others that is, my dad does it with his friends and colleagues, but I guess it's the fact that I see it with someone that isn't a family member that makes it much more real. As for my intellect, I'm pretty sure I know more than the average teen about internal organs, chi, acupuncture and the relation among all those components. My parents have always given me tidbits about Chinese Medicine and how different foods affect the body, but I only take in so much; after working with Dr. Song the concepts I learned are much more solidified and easy to understand. 

Now the Capstone process was no walk in the park, I did encounter numerous challenges, but I was able to overcome them. There were times I was just extremely frustrated with what I was learning because I couldn't understand it; I'd have trouble remembering names of points; and there were times where I was just plain bored out of mind and couldn't focus. Luckily Dr. Song helped me through these obstacles; she told me it's okay if I didn't understand everything she'd rather have me know something rather than nothing. As for the Chinese names I resorted to using their medical terms like Stomach 36, which helped A LOT. As for being bored and not being able to focus I just had to find a way to make it fun such as making it a game or rewarding myself when I finished a certain amount of studying. As for the smaller obstacles I just made sure that I used all the skills I learned throughout the course of the project.