When she first started thinking about her Senior Project before the virus, Sarah said, “I wanted to do career exploration shadowing different doctors and surgeons. I’ve known for a while that I want to pursue a job in the medical field.”

She added, however, that she knows she would not like to become a nurse.
Originally, Sarah wanted to do her medical discoveries in the hospital. However, she said, “Once COVID-19 hit, and we were restricted from going into the hospital, that idea was thrown out the window.” Despite the struggles, Sarah still “got creative and found a way to still do a career exploration-related project without actually going into an OR.”
In turn, she “purchased a suture kit and met with a doctor who taught me how to properly perform a surgery.”
Sarah additionally performed two dissections to grow her “knowledge of the body’s different systems.” She selected to dissect a piglet and a rabbit.
Science Teacher Mr. Mark Grzanna aided her in the dissections, but she added, “only when I asked for help.” Otherwise, he let Sarah explore all on her own.
Mr. Grzanna commented, “I really enjoyed working with Sarah on her Senior Project. For the project, Sarah investigated the anatomy of two animal specimens including a rabbit and a fetal pig. Using surgical tools and an anatomical map of each animal, Sarah conducted a full dissection of each animal. In addition, she practiced using surgical sutures to sew the incisions back together after finishing the investigation. She did an amazing job.”
She added, “Once I completed the dissections, I closed the incisions made in both animals to practice my suturing skills.” This process was as lifelike as possible in order for Sarah to have the most realistic experience when completing her project.
Finally, Sarah shadowed a dentist to perform a few procedures, including a frenectomy. Looking at the different types of medical professionals helped Sarah to narrow down the career path she specifically wants to take. Also, it prepared her to answer a major question she asked herself.
When completing her Senior Project, she asked herself the question, “Do I have the passion to pursue a high demanding medical career?”
Through her Senior Project career exploration, she said, “I have determined that I do have the passion and desire to go through medical school and become a doctor.”
While Sarah has finally answered her dire question, she is still trying to choose what type of specific practice she would like to pursue.
She knows she would like to do medical work in pediatrics. However, she is still debating if she wants to become a pediatric surgeon or pediatrician.
The best part about completing her Senior Project is looking back and reflecting on how much she has learned and accomplished. From the start of her brainstorming process to the final dissection, Sarah has gained the knowledge that will prepare her for her future even beyond college.
With the guidance of teachers and medical professionals, Sarah has not only completed her project but discovered what she is passionate about. Soon JC will have Sarah Nelson as a doctor and alumna.