Honors Journey
When I joined the Honors College in the Fall of 2023 as a junior, I already had a vision of the person I wanted to become. Through my "I Am" and "I Want to Become" statements in H200, I gained a clearer understanding of my values, aspirations, and commitment to growth. Now, as I approach graduation in 2025, I reflect on my journey—the progress I have made, the challenges I have faced, and how my academic and personal experiences have shaped me. This portfolio highlights my transformation and my continued dedication to personal and professional excellence.
'I am' Statement (2023)
I am hardworking because I want to achieve all my set goals for life. I am creative because I like to think outside the box when faced with a challenge. I am academically driven because I want to challenge myself with courses and work towards doing my best at everything. I am always learning because I like it when I receive more knowledge. I am responsible because I like fulfilling all my duties and completing all the tasks assigned to me.
REFLECTION (2025)
At the time I wrote this, I was just beginning to define my academic identity. This statement helped me acknowledge my strengths and set a foundation for success. Looking back, I realize how these qualities have not only remained but have been tested, refined, and expanded through various experiences. My involvement in Project Salud and my honors capstone project in the CLASP lab exposed me to the rigor of academic research, qualitative data analysis, and the importance of collaboration, sharpening my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Taking on challenging courses such as Behavioral Neuroscience and Finite Mathematics strengthened my resilience and adaptability, teaching me that growth comes not just from excelling but from struggling through difficult material and refining my approach to learning. Initially, I overcommitted myself academically, often feeling overwhelmed, but through time management strategies and prioritization, I found a balance between coursework, research, and self-care—an essential skill for my future in psychology.
'I want to become' Statement (2023)
In my ‘I am’ statement, I mentioned that I am hardworking, academically driven, and always learning. These are the main qualities that I possess in my journey. However, I recognize that there is always room for improvement.
I want to become an even more dedicated honors student at IUPUI. I want to work on my work ethic even more by improving my current skills. I consistently aim to set higher academic goals and motivate myself beyond my limits and make sure that I exceed expectations of myself and others.
I already possess the quality of creativity, but I want to further enhance that skill as an honors student. I want to become a student who consistently thinks outside the box, coming up with creative solutions. I want to seek opportunities that can help me improve and apply creative thinking skills at various stages in my academic career as well as life.
I also want to take a further step into my academic career by taking up a few challenging courses to push my academic and intellectual boundaries. My goal is to embrace more knowledge and experiences. I also want to learn more skills and excel in them. I believe that my passion for learning will help me engage more in extracurricular activities and participate in research projects and other opportunities presented to me.
Currently, I find myself taking up too many academic responsibilities, which often influences other aspects of my life. I aim to strike a balance between these responsibilities, making sure to excel while avoiding any possibility of burnout. In my career journey, my main goal is to make a lasting impact in the field of psychology and receive recognition for it on a global scale. I want to contribute significantly and leave a mark.
Overall, I want to be an honors student who not only improves current skills but also actively acquires new ones that will help me achieve my academic, career, and life goals.
REFLECTION (2025)
Since writing my "I Want to Become" statement, I have taken significant steps toward achieving my goals, further strengthening my commitment to contributing meaningfully to research, clinical practice, and community-based mental health initiatives. Through my work in psychopathology research, I strive to understand and address the real-world challenges faced by individuals with severe mental illnesses. I have also grown as a leader, particularly in Project Salud, where I took on a more active role in analyzing qualitative data and identifying themes, strengthening my confidence in research. Additionally, I have learned to balance my commitments more effectively. While I once struggled with overcommitting, I have developed the ability to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and recognize that personal well-being is essential for long-term success.
2023
2025
Journey Map
Reflection
Looking back at my 2023 journey map and comparing it to my 2025 roadmap, I can see significant personal, academic, and professional growth. In 2023, my goals were more generalized—focusing on gaining experience through volunteering, securing research opportunities, and maintaining good academic standing. While these goals laid a strong foundation, my 2025 journey map reflects a more structured and ambitious trajectory, showcasing my increasing leadership roles, research involvement, and commitment to professional development.
One of the most notable changes is my deepened engagement in research. Initially, I aimed to join a research lab, but by 2025, I have actively contributed to multiple research projects, including my independent honors research with the CLASP lab and Project Salud. These experiences have not only strengthened my analytical skills but also prepared me for future academic endeavors. Presenting my research at the IUURC conference and receiving recognition for my work demonstrate my growth as a scholar and my ability to make meaningful contributions to the field.
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Additionally, my leadership development has evolved significantly. In 2023, I aspired to hold an officer position in the Psychology Club, but by 2025, I had taken on the role of USG Senator for the Psychology Club, demonstrating my commitment to advocacy and student leadership. Alongside this, securing multiple jobs—such as working for the Undergraduate Admissions Office and as a Research Assistant for Project Salud—highlights my ability to balance academics with professional experience.
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Despite my progress, not everything has gone according to plan. In 2023, I had envisioned securing a research assistant position much earlier, but it took longer than expected. One of the biggest challenges I am facing this year is the PhD application process. Despite my hard work, I am coming to terms with the fact that I may not get into PhD this year. Even though I'm slightly disappointed, I am trying to see it as an opportunity for me to do things that could boost my resume and strengthen my application for a PhD in the next cycle. This gives me the chance to gain more research experience and refine my goals. These setbacks have also taught me the importance of adaptability.