What Went Well: My first week was a blend of challenges and successes, setting the tone for the journey ahead. Preparing materials for the taster lectures aimed at high school students, while initially seeming tedious, turned out to be a manageable and rewarding task. It felt great to know that I was contributing to something that could inspire young minds to explore the field of bioinformatics.

Assisting in the lectures was an experience I approached with some trepidation. However, the session flowed smoothly overall. Despite some technical hiccups during the hands-on activities, where not every student had a laptop for using Google’s Teachable Machine, we quickly adapted by asking students to form groups with those who did. This solution not only resolved the issue but also encouraged collaboration among the students. Later, we discovered that the website had been updated and was now too advanced for tablets and phones. To prevent future issues, we found a downgraded version that works on all devices, ensuring that the next sessions will be seamless.

What Could Have Been Done Differently: One of the most challenging tasks was collecting data at Queen Mary Hospital. As a non-medical student, performing auscultation to collect heart rate data using a digital stethoscope and two different types of mobile phones was an entirely new experience. Although I prepared by watching numerous tutorial videos to understand the four auscultation spots, I still lacked confidence. I was deeply concerned about making mistakes and collecting incorrect data, which could compromise the study. In hindsight, I could have sought more hands-on practice before going into the field, perhaps by practicing with peers or even on myself to build confidence.

What I Learned About Myself When Working with Others: Working closely with a medical student during the data collection process was incredibly eye-opening. She carefully walked me through the entire procedure, from locating the correct auscultation points to using the stethoscope effectively. Observing her communication with patients and the methodical way she recorded data taught me the importance of patience, attention to detail, and clear communication in healthcare settings. I realized that when working in a team, it's okay to lean on others for guidance and that collaboration is key to overcoming challenges.

What I Learned About Leadership: This experience also offered valuable insights into leadership. The ability to remain calm and adaptable in the face of unexpected challenges, such as the technical issues during the lecture, is crucial. Leadership isn’t just about guiding others—it’s about being flexible, finding quick solutions, and ensuring the team stays on track despite setbacks. I learned that good leaders are those who empower their team members to solve problems together, fostering a collaborative environment.

What Do I Want to Develop or Focus on Next? Moving forward, I want to deepen my understanding of the medical procedures involved in my work. While I don’t have a medical background, gaining basic proficiency in these areas will enhance my confidence and allow me to contribute more effectively. Additionally, I want to focus on developing better contingency plans for technical challenges during lectures, ensuring that the students have a seamless learning experience.

What I Still Need to Develop: I still need to develop greater confidence in my ability to perform medical tasks, such as auscultation, and I plan to seek out more opportunities for practice and mentorship. Additionally, improving my technical troubleshooting skills will be essential as I continue to assist with the taster lectures. By addressing these areas, I hope to become a more well-rounded and effective contributor to both the educational and medical aspects of this project.