I had the privilege to experience the 2024 AnnieRuth Summer Internship Program. Throughout the program I was able to attend business seminars, talk to professionals about my career aspiration, and learn valuable lessons that I will forever cherish. This program allowed me to expand my knowledge about building a career. I learned a multitude of life lessons such as how communication is vital in the workplace, and how to work with others in your environment. The copious amount of guest speakers granted me several opportunities to meet a variety of different people with different careers. These opportunities that I have been given by Ms. Dee and those of the AnnieRuth Foundation have expanded my knowledge and skills in several ways.
Throughout my experiences in the program and throughout my internship, my aspiration to become a medical professional, specifically in the field of neurology or emergency medicine, had only strengthened. At the end of the program, I became an award recipient and was granted a summer internship at UF Health Shands. Once I began my internship, I was placed at UF Health’s CSESaR Simulation Center. The SIMS center will forever hold a special place in my heart. I had three amazing managers who did everything in their power to teach us procedures, let us observe residents, and participate in fun scenarios. There isn’t a better way to describe my internship other than the fact that I had a blast! My managers taught me how to intubate a mannequin, perform CPR, and so much more. The environment in the SIMS center was always so welcoming and busy with people. I believe one of my most favorite times during my experience was when the emergency medicine residents would come to learn procedures, do ultrasounds, and participate in fake scenarios. The doctors were all so welcoming as anytime they would observe the attending, they always let us sneak in and observe alongside them. The opportunities I was given through my internship have further advanced my motivation and discipline in pursuing a career in medicine. Being around the emergency medicine residents had further sparked my interest in emergency medicine as it was something I previously had not thought of. I truly made a multitude of connections with doctors, staff, and more, at the SIMS center. My experience there was something I will forever cherish and never forget.
I genuinely thank the AnnieRuth Foundation and Ms. Dee as this summer internship only made my summer a million times better. Without this program and these lessons, I believe my knowledge of building a career, connecting with people, and more, would have been very minimal. Thank you once again, for this unforgettable experience!