This year was my second time attending the SACNAS conference, and it made me pause and think about how much has changed since my first visit. Back then, I was a senior in college trying to figure out my next steps and learn about graduate programs. I didn’t expect the conference to be the place that pushed me to actually apply. What stood out to me most during that first visit was how genuine everyone was. People truly wanted students to grow and reach their full potential. It was also where I learned more about the MA in Statistics program. I still remember how everyone from the department took the time to answer every question and explain things clearly. That level of support stayed with me, and it is exactly what I have experienced since joining the program.

Going back this year felt meaningful in a different way. I was able to speak with prospective students and share my experience. It reminded me that even when we think our stories are small, they can still resonate with someone else.

I also had the chance to hear from people working in different areas of industry, including public health data, biopharmaceuticals, and biotech. Listening to their paths helped me see how varied and flexible careers in statistics can be. It made me feel more confident trusting my own path, even if it does not look like anyone else’s.

A major highlight for me was talking with recruiters from BMS Technologies and Merck. Both teams described how they are working to build research and datasets that better represent diverse populations across different backgrounds and age groups. Hearing about their commitment to equity meant a lot to me because it aligns with the type of work I hope to support in the future, whether in aging research, medicine and vaccine development, or public health policy.

I also found the workshops helpful, especially the sessions on tailoring resumes, preparing for interviews, and understanding the job application process. Getting advice directly from people who review applications made everything feel more approachable and helped me get a clearer sense of the areas in data science I might want to explore.

Overall, attending SACNAS this year helped me expand my understanding of opportunities in industry and academia and connect with others who share similar backgrounds and goals. It gave me a chance to reflect on where I want to go next and reminded me why spaces like this matter. I left the conference feeling grateful for the connections I made and motivated to keep building on what I learned.