Pressing Pause: My Gap Year as a Clinical Lab Scientist

I thought it was about time I shared a little life update, especially since so much has been happening behind the scenes lately. After months of thinking (and overthinking) about my next steps, I made a decision that both excites and terrifies me: I’m taking a gap year before diving into graduate school.

For a long time, I felt this pressure to have everything figured out — what degree I wanted, what school I would attend, what exact career path I would chase. But the truth is, I don't have all the answers yet. And that's okay. Instead of rushing into something just because it’s the "expected" next step, I decided to listen to that small (but persistent) voice inside me that said, "Slow down. Explore first."

Why Clinical Lab Science?

During this gap year, I’ll be working full-time as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist. It feels like the perfect way to stay connected to my love for science, healthcare, and research, without immediately locking myself into a long-term academic commitment.

What drew me to clinical lab work is the balance between technical skill and critical thinking — helping diagnose and treat patients behind the scenes. It’s hands-on, it’s meaningful, and honestly, it’s giving me a fresh sense of excitement about where my passions could lead. Maybe it will confirm that I want to pursue a PhD. Maybe it’ll open a door I haven't even thought about yet. Either way, I'm excited to learn, grow, and figure it out by actually doing instead of guessing.

How the McNair Scholars Program Changed My Life

Before I even considered this gap year, being a McNair Scholar played a huge role in shaping who I am today. Through McNair, I was given opportunities to conduct real research, work alongside incredible mentors, and present at conferences that once felt way out of reach for me.

Before joining the McNair Scholars Program, I was fully committed to pursuing medical school, a path my mentors wholeheartedly supported. They provided me with MCAT study resources and encouraged me to build clinical experience through volunteering and working as a phlebotomist. I spent time in clinics, drawing blood, assisting patients, and gaining firsthand exposure to healthcare settings. Yet, the more time I spent in that world, the more I realized I wasn't finding a true sense of purpose there. The work felt repetitive, emotionally draining, and lacked the sense of intellectual curiosity I craved. In contrast, my experiences as an undergraduate researcher lit a spark in me — I loved the process of inquiry, discovery, and contributing to a greater understanding of the world. Research didn't just feel like work; it felt like where I was meant to be.

More than anything, McNair gave me a sense of belonging in academic spaces that can sometimes feel intimidating or exclusive. The program wasn’t just about research — it was about guidance, community, and belief. I was surrounded by peers who shared my dreams and struggles, and mentors who saw potential in me even on the days I doubted myself.

Thanks to McNair, I built skills in research, critical thinking, and resilience — skills that I know will carry me forward during this gap year and beyond, no matter what path I eventually take.

Learning to Embrace the Uncertainty

Taking a gap year wasn’t an easy decision. It’s scary to admit you’re not 100% sure about your path, especially when everyone else seems to have a five-year plan mapped out. But what I’m realizing is that growth doesn’t always look like moving fast. Sometimes it’s about pausing, getting your hands dirty, and finding clarity through experience, not just theory.

I'm proud of myself for choosing exploration over expectation — and if you’re ever feeling stuck in life, I hope you give yourself permission to do the same.

Looking Ahead

Over the next year, I’m hoping to share more about what I learn in the lab, the challenges (and wins) of working full-time, and what new dreams might unfold along the way. I’m learning that not knowing your next steps doesn’t mean you’re lost — it means you're still writing your story.