1. When I started RISE, I was scared. I did not know what to expect from it, whether it was
going to be a good experience or not. I was stepping out to the unknown. Sometimes I
asked myself whether it I have made the right decision. But then I realized that t I asked
that because fear was taken control over me and if I let it take control over me I will
never achieve my goals and dreams. Even though I was scared I decided to step out and
fight for what I wanted.
As the first week passed I began to relax and I started to enjoy the experience. I
noticed that I liked what I was doing and that it was something that I saw myself doing
for my future. I loved working in the laboratory on different experiments; finding the
objectives and the results, proving whether my hypothesis was wrong or right. Sure, it
was not easy, but it was not impossible. I gave my hundred percent and that something I
will never regret. If I never stepped out of my fears and fighted for my dreams I will had
never achieved my goals.
This experience not only makes me growth as a scientist but also as a person. It
gave me the tools to be a better scientist, it helps me think as scientist, act like one and
enjoy it. I learned to establish priorities and that many times we have to make some
sacrifice for what really matters. Not only had I learned to do research and become a
better scientist but I also the value of working as a group.
Living in Cayey’s University houses for a month showed me not to judge by the
appearance, to really take the time to know the people that surround you and get along
with them. We learned that if we work as a team and we take each others in
consideration living there would be easy. I remember all the time we used to cook for all
24 of us, sharing our food and hanging all along, we spent our time going from house to
house, helping each other and just having a really good time. Even though we only lived
a month there I became to have affection for all my coworkers. I believe that more than
coworkers we became a family.
This experience help me growth in some many aspects of my life. As a scientist I
acquired much knowledge, I was tough many things that will help me in my future. It
helps me to define what I like and what is best for me. As person it helps me overcame
my fears, help me value the opportunities that life give me. And taught me that thing
will not always be easy and that you have to fight for what you want and never give up. It
change my way of thinking, value what I got and no matter what always give your

2. hundred percent. At the end this it was a great experience and something I will always
value.