Khadisha Salemova SELF
As a freshman embarking on my first BME major course in Genomics, I have experienced an enriching journey that has fostered my interest and understanding of the field. Despite being new to this subject, I have made substantial efforts to immerse myself in the material and actively engage with the content.
From the outset, I found myself deeply intrigued by genomics. The complexity and potential of genetic information fascinated me, driving my curiosity and passion for the subject. This interest was further fueled by discussions with my sophomore friends, who provided additional insights and motivation.
Throughout the course, I attended almost all the lectures, missing only two sessions. While my participation in class discussions was limited, I actively listened and absorbed the material presented. I found myself thinking critically about the concepts discussed and often contemplated their implications and applications, especially in the context of epigenetic modifications, which became the focus of my final essay.
Even though we were not assigned formal homework, I took the initiative to explore the topics covered in class further. Although I did not make any formal presentations in class, I engaged in discussions with my peers outside of the classroom. These conversations often revolved around the course material, where I shared my perspectives and listened to theirs, contributing to a collaborative learning environment. My final essay on "Why Epigenetic Modification is Critical for Understanding Disease Mechanisms." required me to integrate various concepts learned throughout the course, demonstrating my grasp of the subject matter. I meticulously researched and articulated the importance of epigenetic changes in disease development, showcasing my ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. In evaluating myself, I believe I have made commendable progress in understanding genomics. While I recognize the need to be more active in class discussions, I compensated by engaging deeply with the content outside the classroom. My critical thinking skills have developed, allowing me to approach scientific problems with a more analytical mindset. Based on the SELF framework, I believe I deserve a grade of an A- or A0 for my efforts and achievements. I am committed to continuing my learning journey with the same enthusiasm and dedication, striving to contribute more actively in future courses.