As a Northern Jew who has moved to the South to study neuroscience in the hopes of becoming a doctor, this topic hits close to home. I have always strived to work hard and to my fullest potential in every aspect of my life, especially with my studies. I feel strongly that these ideals and values are stemmed in my Jewish roots. I believe that leading a Jewish life style has taught me the true importance of reaching for my dreams and going after what I want but in a respectable, appropriate manner. Moving to the South, has taught me patience and to not focus on studies too much, in a way in which I disregard social interactions and friendly faces...aka the Southern Hospitality concept in real life! Therefore, I can truly understand and respect those before me (such as those referenced in this site) doing similar things and following similar ideals.
An example of a time I really valued the importance of living in the South while studying science was my experience in my research lab. The lab took me in and shared with me lessons of how to use certain equipment, and how to conduct certain methods. They also taught me the value of a lab community and team work across multiple related projects. A lab, in which not one person (but me) was Jewish, took me in and treated me well. It is incredible that in today's world, religion or gender is not normally a factor that comes into play when making decisions on applicants into an academic endeavor. Years ago, I likely would not have been able to have this experience due to being Jewish and being female.
This also reminds me to appreciate my personal role models. My mother is an extremely intelligent and inspirational educator. She is a fifth grade teacher in an extremely diverse public NYC school. Additionally, she is her schools United Federation of Teachers representative and therefore acts as the liaison between her fellow teachers and the higher up authorities in the educational world. She actively teaches her students about Judaism as she is proud of her religion, and not many of the students in her school share that with her. She teaches them about each holiday as it approaches and also shares this knowledge along with various stories with her fellow faculty.
As I get ready for graduation (WHICH IS CRAZY!!), I look back and reflect on my time at Emory University, and I am not able to imagine my experiences without my time in the lab and other similar experiences, as they have brought me so much, and I truly appreciate my privilege of being able to be there. I look forward to my future, engaging in more of a professional medical career, and meeting others from around the world in a pursuit to share a common passion despite racial or gender boundaries!