Beginnings and Continuations

Summer 2010 has come and gone, bringing with it so many new experiences, personal growth, and continuation of the CervoCheck endeavor. Let's see, where can I begin?

CervoCheck [update]

Over the summer, the company reduced from three full time members to two. Nate and I moved into the Emerging Technologies Center (ETC) at the Eastern campus, and attempted to keep things going. Sometimes, it felt as if the both of us were lost in what needed to be accomplished, but we always managed to keep ourselves busy. The immediate goal was clear, but the end goal always seemed a bit hazy. We have fixed that issue, as we have organized and reevaluated our position and end goals. Partway through the summer, we received grant funding from the Maryland TEDCO, a $50,000 grant that will keep us going until the end of the year. Meanwhile, as we prepped for our next huge milestone (animal testing), and getting our device together, we started putting together the pieces on the business side.

Although, I said once that I couldn't define anything from my undergraduate career or Masters career as a challenge (with the mentality that if you something needs to get done, it will get done) I think I can honestly say that staying afloat with this CervoCheck business has definitely been a challenge.

New Developments

Since May, I explored Florida a bit (to say the least) and tried many new things. I was fortunate enough to spend some time in the Keys, attempt to snuba, eat key lime pie, go fishing for the first time (pier and open water), and see my first beach sunrise. I met many amazing people, and reacquainted myself with an old friend. I attempted for a while to learn Capoeira, but as soon as work picked up in August, that fell to the wayside.

Career-wise, I determined a bit more about what I want to accomplish, and I have focused on where I want to go. While age may be a factor, hopefully I can accomplish these things:

• Seeing CervoCheck go to it's full potential. I am going to try and stick with this company as long as I can, until either competitors push me out, buy me out, or we run out of money.
  
• Life Science Consulting. I want to spend a few years in the Life Science consulting field, preferably in innovative consulting. I have identified a few companies I would like to work at, and I plan on keeping an eye on them.
• MD/MBA. There are few things that are satisfying as knowing a problem inside and out. I want to get there, although there exists a slight fear that my brain is going to give out if I stuff it too much with so much information. However, to help me towards this goal I have also taken on MCAT courses and taking a class at JHU.
  

In terms of life experiences, there is still so much I want to do, but first and foremost is backpacking across Europe and exploring China. I hope to get the opportunity next summer or the summer after. After all, when I turn 25, all the student discounts go away!

And of course, here are a few additional pictures: