Today was the first day of my Laidlaw experience, and I am really excited to begin this journey. It was meaningful to start learning more about the Laidlaw program, what to expect throughout the summer, and how this experience will help me grow as both a researcher and a leader. I am also looking forward to getting to know my fellow cohort members better and learning from their different interests, perspectives, and research goals.

One important takeaway from today was that research does not have to be perfect from the beginning. I am learning that research is a process of asking questions, making adjustments, receiving feedback, and allowing ideas to develop over time. This reminder made me feel less pressure to have everything figured out right away. Instead, I can focus on being thoughtful, curious, and open to where the research process takes me.

Today also helped me feel more prepared for the work ahead. We began learning more about how to conduct research responsibly and what to expect as we begin our projects. Before I can start interviews, I still need to complete IRB approval, so I am focused on ensuring my research is ethical, organized, and respectful of the people I hope to interview.

Overall, I feel excited and grateful to be starting this experience. I know there will be a lot to learn, but I am eager to challenge myself, develop my research skills, and begin turning my ideas into a meaningful project.