4/27 SLO

              Through the Honors Mentorship Program, I was given the amazing opportunity to specialize in a field of my choice and mentor under Dr. Amy Borrow, an orthopedic surgeon, at Longstreet Clinic Orthopedics.  This experience has taught me so much ranging from extensive knowledge on orthopedics and the body to how to act in professional situations. I simply followed Dr. Borrow into each of her appointments in the mornings, but from listening to the interactions between her and her patients and her readings of x-rays, MRIs, surgeries, etc. I obtained knowledge I wouldn't be able to obtain anywhere else.  I continuously asked Dr. Borrow questions regarding patients’ injuries and skeptics on x-rays in hopes to fully understand each occurrence.  Dr. Borrow also jumped on opportunities to further explain certain aspects of bone fractures, tears, and displacements that we would see throughout the morning.

                My first day in the office, I knew little about orthopedics and the procedures of obtaining and then maintaining the career compared to my knowledge now.  Not only has my knowledge expanded, but my perception on what I need to do in the future through schooling and becoming an orthopedic surgeon has become much clearer.  Dr. Borrow walked me through her experiences and how she ended up where she is today, all for my benefit.   I have only become surer of my choice of becoming an orthopedic surgeon through my mentorship with Dr. Borrow.  I witnessed many positives and negatives to the job, but the negatives are not a scare factor, simply a part of life. Having the chance to end the constant pain related to injuries and body failures of others is a career I admire and strive to be a part of.

                My mentorship experience was incredibly enriching and I am grateful for having such an opportunity to learn from a professional, especially Dr. Borrow.  My advice to future students would be to stay active in the mentorship, don’t be lazy or shy and take advantage of every opportunity.   Being a high school student in a professional office makes it easy to sit back and avoid exposure, but if every student really put him or herself out there, not only would the student learn so much more but the professional would be impressed and appreciative. My mentorship has drawn me closer to my goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon, and I cannot wait to take further steps to be successful.

"Gala Sponsors List." Brenau University RSS2. 12 Mar. 2014. Web. 27 Apr. 2015.