Program Reflection

My experience as a McKearn Fellow has been challenging at times, but it has been a great experience and I’m so glad I had this opportunity this summer. I will walk away from this summer program with so many benefits. I will have a finished project to be proud of, but there are even more important benefits I have received from this program. I have had the great opportunity to speak with NIU alumni, which was a priceless benefit this program has given me. I had the chance to learn about research, team building, and most importantly, leadership.

 

Besides my personal skill building, I am very grateful that I got to spend 8 weeks with my McKearn Fellows. I want to personally say that all of you have been great and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to spend this time with. I’m excited to be taking classes next semester with a few of you, and I hope the rest of us stay in touch. I would also like to thank my mentor, Bart Woodstrup for the time and effort he has put in to help me through my project. I would like to thank John and Cassandra McKearn for providing us with this amazing opportunity, which has been a great experience for those of us who were lucky enough to take part in it. Last but not least I would like to thank the McKearn Team and the NIU faculty and staff, without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today. This program has been great, and the memories and skills I have gained this summer will last a lifetime.