Blog Post#7: Reflection

Blog Post #7: Reflection 

(a) what challenges did you overcome throughout this inquiry project? How did you go about overcoming these challenges? 

Unfortunately, I had originally planned to interview some professionals in the immunology and rheumatology department however the more I tried to send emails and keep communication strong between us, the more it seems that the connection was breaking. This was totally understandable as they are busy people with more important things to do.

Therefore, I switched to plan B, where I researched the questions myself, looked at numerous medical professionals’ blogs in order to get a better scope, and wrote the response with my own opinion on the side (where I could) in order to give an accurate opinion on things like mental health and autoimmunity, children dealing with autoimmune diseases, and etc.

(b) How did this inquiry change the way you think? 

This inquiry made me realize that raising awareness on rare diseases, topics, and things of the like can help others feel represented, confident, and have something to look up to. It is important to have such models for these so we don’t single out those who are dealing with diseases that are too rare to explain. Honestly, you don’t even need to have an explanation on why it’s happening, just an acknowledgement that it is happening (by it I mean the experiences that someone can have or feel when they are going through such diseases) and create a safe space to talk about it.

(c) How did this investigation impact your future decisions? 

This investigation helped me become more inclusive in my future endeavours and decision-making, as oftentimes we tend to disregard experiences and diseases that are not as widely said or researched, simply because we don’t know about them or are not influenced by them. Therefore by educating myself and becoming more aware, as I have throughout this research, I was able to be more incorporating and aware of those around me.

(d) What impact will this investigation have on others locally and/or globally?

This research will hopefully influence the younger generations that would be reading this, helping them become more aware and less judgemental in this day and age. By doing this, they can become more proactive in these types of matters and be a voice of reason for the future not ignorant of serious matters before them. How would this make an impact locally and/or globally you may ask? training the future generation that will spread around the world can help bring global awareness and representation, all of which will hopefully be passed on for even more future generations to take notice of.

Hope you enjoyed reading my posts and have a nice summer!!!

– Sanam M.