Blog Entry # 30

I have spent more time reflecting in what I want to say in my final speech. As I look back, my biggest change over the course of the year is my acquisition of courage. After going on a dozen interviews, I have developed networking skills and have already talked to multiple members of the UT Austin faculty so I will be well prepared to seek out opportunities going into next year. Additionally, I have started volunteering with an organization that interested me and also gotten a job. My interview skills have grown as well and just last week I won a scholarship after a very successful interview.

I have also learned a lot about my field. The interviews helped me gain a broad knowledge while my mentor has helped me gain a lot of project-specific skills. I now know enough to understand the natural history of Texas, and I know hoe to work on both urban forestry and urban planting projects in general thanks to my research.

Over the next week I will incorporate all of this into my speech so my friends and family can learn about what I have learned and how I have grown during my year in ISM, as well as my plans for the future.