S-STEM/TRAIN Scholar Kimberly Merrill's Blog

 Although college may seem like just an institution to gain knowledge about a particular field and master the involved information, it is much more of an experience where students learn valuable skills and practices that carry over into their career. During my college experience, I've faced challenges specific to my major and the overall secondary education rite of passage. Throughout overcoming these obstacles and struggles, strengths and assets have developed within me that will be desirable to employers. Below, I will go over some skill and experiences that can transfer into a career one day: 1. Time managament.      College students face due dates constantly, most of which require employing time management strategies. It seems like a magic trick balancing jobs, full course loads, family/friends, and extracurricular activities. Freshman year is often challenging figuring out what works and doesn't work with time restraints. Procrastinating and overloading is a gra...

It seemed like I would never settle on a degree. I started my higher education pursuing a degree and career in journalism, which seemed odd considering my strong math background. It wasn't until a general biology class that I realized I really loved learning about natural sciences.  Despite that epiphany, it didn't necessarily narrow my interests down to a single major. Many areas of biology, math, and other sciences all were fascinating. Biology and particularly ecology seemed to be what really grasped my attention. Thanks to the guidance of some mentors and to the TRAIN program, I am settled on and nearing the end of a bachelor of science degree in environmental science at ASU.  I've had the opportunity to conduct research in areas of forestry and ecology. During these experiences, I genuinely felt I was where I belonged. Although I would've never picked it as a career three or more years ago, research is now a passion I wish to pursue. My favorite thing to do is fiel...