By Anabelle Bergstrom, Peer Research Ambassador
As I write this blog article, I cannot believe I am coming to the end of my undergraduate career. I also cannot believe that I will be wrapping up my time as a Peer Research Ambassador, a position I have held since the summer between my freshman and sophomore years. This position in the Office of Undergraduate Research has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. My favorite part has been meeting students who are as interested in research as I am and helping them find their research passion. Over the past (almost) four years, I have learned so much that you may find useful as you continue to pursue your own undergraduate research goals.
Ask Questions, Be Curious– I have found that in research, there really are no stupid questions. In fact, some of the most valuable experiences I have had stemmed from asking questions I was nervous to voice. I found that being curious often opened new doors within my research and even helped to spark insightful conversations with my mentors. Asking questions not only prevents mistakes, they also can take you in new, exciting directions that may expand your research further than you thought possible.
Embrace the Inevitable Challenges- Research is not fun all the time. I have completed many research projects, and I can say that I am not happy with the final product of a few of them. This is because of many reasons, the first being that I encountered unexpected obstacles that took my research in a direction I was not intending it to. Sometimes, this is a good thing. You may find that the new direction you are going in is still valuable, even if it was not part of your original vision. The setbacks you encounter now in your undergraduate research will help prepare you for research you do in graduate school and while in your first full-time job.
Building Community– Through the research I have conducted, the students I have mentored, and the other PRAs I have worked with, I have built my own little community of likeminded individuals who are passionate about one thing: research. No matter if it is stem based or social science based, research has an incredible power to bring people from multiple disciplines together in the name of furthering knowledge. Collaborating with others, even just over a cup of coffee to discuss research interests and opportunities, has broadened my perspective. It has even expanded my network and given me some of my best friends.
As I look ahead to the next few years of gaining experience in the workforce before law school, I am certain that the research skills that I have gained during my time at UConn will benefit me in so many ways. Research has not only shaped my academic journey but will undoubtedly help me navigate the skills needed in the legal field. Meeting with other students in the PRA role is something I am going to miss terribly, but I am could not be more grateful for the skills I have acquired in research and beyond in the last four years.
Anabelle is a senior double majoring in Political Science and Philosophy. Click here to learn more about Anabelle.