175 Research Reflection by Lauren Shields

Faculty Mentor: Sonia Salari (Family & Consumer Studies, University of Utah)

I have been a part of my research team for the last two and a half years. The writing of this paper has been slowly developing throughout that entire time. As a result, when I revisit my earlier drafts and edit versions from two years ago, six months, or even one week ago, I find that the learning process will never conclude. This experience has humbled me as an academic and an individual, forcing me to reach outside of the constructs of completion that I previously thought possible. My experience with the constant state of change and learning that research evokes will stick with me into graduate school and future research. I am looking to apply to education masters programs with the hope of working with children in classroom settings. I eventually want to be a school counselor or therapist focusing on the mental health of children between adolescence and teenager. Lovingly nicknamed the “tween”, this research and my work as a psych tech have revealed to me the passion that I have for this age group and the trials they endure. Being on a research team, publishing my work, and presenting in the undergraduate symposium are endeavors that I hope will set me apart from other applicants to graduate schools. The opportunities provided by the U of U’s undergraduate research programs have been integral to my development as a scholar and I feel grateful to have reaped the benefits of such institutions.