Honors-H496 Retrospective Reflection
My name is Nicole Gordon, and I am a first-generation student in the IU Indianapolis Honors College earning a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Biology. As I prepare to transition into my plans after college, I see myself as an emerging healthcare professional who is committed to using my strengths to help others. My long-term goal is to become a pediatrician while also incorporating research into my career so that I can contribute not only to patient care but also to the advancement of science. When I first started in the Honors College, I was very focused on my academic performance and the grades that I was earning. At the time, success felt very clear to me, it meant doing well in my classes and maintaining a strong GPA. While those things are still important, my experiences over the past four years have changed how I define success.
" I have learned to value the process of learning, the effort I put in, and the person I am becoming along the way."
Looking back at my H200 “I Am” statement, I described myself as hardworking and determined, but also very focused on outcomes rather than understanding. I set goals to improve my study habits, focus more on learning instead of memorization, and grow in values like hard work and compassion. Now, I can clearly see how much I have grown in those areas. Over time, I shifted from a performance-based mindset to a growth-based mindset. I am no longer only focused on reaching goals, but on how I grow through the process of reaching them.One of the most important changes for me has been learning how to balance my academic life with my personal well-being. Earlier in college, I often prioritized school over everything else, but I eventually realized that taking care of myself actually made me a better student. Whether it was going on walks or participating in Zumba classes, focusing on my overall wellness helped me stay more motivated and present.
Nicole Gordon at the Herbert Presidential Scholars Ceremony in 2023.
Nicole Gordon and Simran Shergill at an IU Indianapolis Zumba class.
My undergraduate research experience in Dr. Roper’s lab has been one of the most impactful parts of my Honors journey. I began in the Freshman Biology Apprenticeship Program doing basic tasks, but over time I became more involved in my own research project. Through my work with mouse models of Down syndrome and my involvement in programs like BIOL-K295, UROP, and the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Scholars Program, I developed both as a researcher and as a student. Through research, I learned how to read scientific literature, develop hypotheses, and communicate my findings. Presenting at symposiums and national conferences pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow in confidence. More importantly, research taught me resilience.
A key area of my emerging expertise is science communication. Through both research and teaching experiences, I have learned that scientific knowledge is only impactful if it can be understood by others. Presenting my work required me to translate complex data into clear, engaging explanations for diverse audiences, ranging from peers to professionals. This experience helped me recognize the importance of clarity, audience awareness, and adaptability in communication.
"Not every experiment worked the way I expected, but I learned that those moments are just as valuable."
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Outside of research, my experiences volunteering at Riley Children’s Hospital and serving as the VIDA Director of the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic played a major role in developing my compassion. These roles allowed me to work directly with patients and families, helping them understand medical information and feel more comfortable in clinical settings. Through these experiences, I learned how important it is to meet people where they are, both emotionally and intellectually. I realized that being in healthcare is not just about understanding science, it is also about making sure others feel understood. These moments also confirmed my desire to work in pediatrics and strengthened my commitment to this career path.
Nicole Gordon at Riley Children's Hospital volunteering.
Nicole Gordon and Simran Shergill volunteering in Clevland, OH at the Phi Eta Sigma National Convention 2023.
​My role as a BIOL-K101 Recitation Leader and my Honors Contract in Cellular Biology further strengthened my communication skills. In these experiences, I had to explain complex scientific concepts in ways that were accessible to others. This often meant adjusting my approach depending on the student or situation. Through this, I realized that understanding something myself was not enough, I needed to be able to explain it clearly to others. This directly strengthened my science communication skills, which will be essential in my future career as a physician working with patients from diverse backgrounds.
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As I prepare for the next step in my journey, I feel confident that the Honors College has prepared me for medical school and my future career in pediatrics. My experiences have given me strong critical thinking skills, the ability to communicate effectively, and a deeper understanding of the importance of compassion in healthcare.
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"Now, I see growth as something that is ongoing and requires constant reflection and self-awareness."
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All of these experiences connect back to the Honors College learning goals, especially critical thinking, communication, and engaged learning. My research strengthened my ability to analyze and problem-solve, my teaching and leadership roles improved my communication, and my involvement across different environments demonstrated my commitment to learning beyond the classroom.One of the biggest changes in my perspective has been how I understand growth. When I first started college, I thought growth meant achieving specific goals. Now, I see growth as something that is ongoing and requires constant reflection and self-awareness. I have also grown in my compassion and intentionality, especially in how I interact with others.
Overall, my time in the IU Indianapolis Honors College has been transformative. It has pushed me outside of my comfort zone, challenged me to grow, and given me opportunities that have shaped both my academic and personal identity. Looking back, I am proud of how much I have grown, not just as a student, but as a person,and I am excited to continue that growth in the next phase of my life.
Nicole Gordon in front of the United Nations building in Geneva, Swizterland in 2026.