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Mariela Hernandez Honors Portfolio
University of Washington
Summer Quarter '25
Completed my first organic chemistry lab
This summer, I decided to take the second part of the organic chemistry series and the first organic chemistry lab. I am proud of myself for completing these courses this summer. Going to class in the summer taught me to persevere through hard moments. There was points when I felt isolated and struggled to focus on my exams and labs. In these moments I had to remind myself of my strength and motivate myself to keep working hard.
Since this was my first organic chemistry lab, I was happy to see my lab report grades. I learned skills in spectroscopy which is important in identifying molecules in unknown samples. My favorite lab was Lab 5 about the elimination and substitution of alkyl halides. My completion of these 2 organic chemistry courses emphasized my personal growth and intentional learning.
Our three PHSKC x FB events
This summer, I helped with the Floss Boss x Public Health Seattle King County volunteer events (6/28, 7/12, and 8/23)! It was a highlight of my summer quarter. Serving people has always been a passion of mine. I loved helping translate and provide services to all of our patients. Many times I would be needed to translate for one patient and then have to translate for another right after. There was high demand for a spanish speaking interpreter.
The majority of PHSKC's community demographic was hispanic, so needless to say I felt very fulfilled helping out my community. When I helped a patient communicate with the doctors, I remembered helping my parents in the same way. It brings me happiness that I had the opportunity to change their healthcare experience positively. The patients were grateful for our services and volunteer efforts. In these three days, we were able to provide over $39,000 of services to patients at no cost to them. All in all, these were incredible events and my role in planning them shows my dedication to public service and advocacy.
Learning to spend time on activities I cherish
Personally, I have been focused on developing academically and career wise. I enjoy my listening to music, and recently had not had the opportunity to attend concerts. Some of my favorite artists came to Seattle, and my older sister taught me a very important lesson: take advantage of the unique experiences in the Seattle area. This might sound like basic knowledge, but I had not thought of Seattle as a hub for musical experiences. I had really thought of it as the city of career opportunities.
I do not think I realized that the way I viewed my city actually impacted the experiences I allowed myself to live. I was blessed enough to attend the tours of Halsey, The Marias, and Kali Uchis. These experiences taught me to find the creative artistic experiences that I value to my core. When I feel completely engulfed in the stem environment, I often notice my motivation decrease. I learned that I personally need to express all of my characteristics that shape me into my person. I made so many fond memories with my sister and my best friend Paulina, and on top of that I made personal growth.
halsey
kali uchis
the marias
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