MMI Personal Experiences Flashcards
Greenhouse Experience STAR
Situation: In high school, I was part of a group of five in my STEM class tasked with building a greenhouse for our school. We had clear instructions and all the necessary materials.
Task: As the team organizer, my responsibility was to distribute materials and assign roles based on each member’s strengths and interests while managing our progress toward completion.
Action: I noticed that our team was becoming distracted and losing focus, which hindered our productivity. To address this, I reframed the issue for the group instead of simply telling them to get back to work. I set specific deadlines for completing various tasks and provided evidence of how procrastination was affecting our progress. By breaking down the larger goal into smaller, more manageable tasks with deadlines, the team was able to stay focused and productive.
Result: As a result, our productivity significantly increased. We successfully completed the greenhouse, which is now being used by the school. This experience taught me valuable lessons in leadership, communication, and the importance of motivating a team effectively.
Greenhouse Experience Skills highlighted
Problem-Solving, Management Sklls
Greenhouse Experience connection to MMI?
This experience showcases my ability to lead a team through challenges while maintaining motivation and focus, which is essential in medical practice when collaborating with diverse groups.
Friendship Experience STAR
Situation: During high school, I was part of a large group of friends. One member of the group was treated unfairly due to their unique personality, and this escalated into instances of online bullying, which the individual was initially unaware of.
Task: As a close friend of the individual being targeted, I felt it was important to address the situation both by supporting my friend and by confronting those responsible for the bullying.
Action: After becoming aware of the situation, I spoke with the group members involved in the bullying, particularly the main instigator, to understand their reasoning. They expressed that the individual’s “different” behaviour made them a target. I explained how this behaviour was harmful and unacceptable, and I emphasized the importance of respecting others, regardless of their differences. I also privately supported my friend, helping them process the situation and reassuring them that they did not deserve such treatment. This ultimately led to the individual finding a new, more supportive social group.
Result: The situation was peacefully resolved. The group members acknowledged the harm caused, and the bullying stopped. My friend was able to move on to a more positive environment, where they felt respected and accepted.
Friendship Experience Skills highlighted
Empathy, Conflict-Resolution
Friendship Experience connection to MMI?
This example shows your ability to navigate sensitive situations, stand up for fairness, and demonstrate moral leadership, all of which are important qualities in medical professionals.
Fundraiser Experience STAR
Situation: As part of a youth group in my local community, I participated in organizing a fundraiser involving 11 youth members and 2 leaders to fund our youth camp.
Task: My responsibilities included planning and executing the event. For planning, I gathered input from the group on fundraising activities, organized food contributions, and communicated effectively with team members. For execution, I helped set up the floor plan, scheduled games, and assisted in various event activities.
Action: I conducted surveys to gather everyone’s ideas, listed what each person would bring, and ensured clear communication with the organizers. During the event, I contributed to setting up the venue, managed the game schedules, assisted attendees, collected donations, and engaged with participants to keep the energy high.
Result: The fundraiser was a success. We raised sufficient funds for our youth camp, and the event ran smoothly, showcasing excellent teamwork and communication skills. The collaborative effort ensured that all aspects of the fundraiser were well-coordinated and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Fundraiser Experience Skills highlighted
Teamwork, Communication Skills
Fundraiser Experience connection to MMI?
This experience honed my ability to effectively communicate and work within a team crucial skills in medicine. Just as in the fundraiser, collaboration and clear communication are vital in ensuring patient care is seamless and effective.
Social Media Experience STAR
Situation: From Grade 9 to 12, while I had a phone, I chose not to engage in social media, unlike everyone around me who was deeply involved in it.
Task: I faced the decision of whether to join social media, dealing with peer pressure to conform and get online.
Action: Aware of the potential negative consequences—like chronic online use, disruption in daily tasks, cyber-bullying risks, lack of independence, and exposure to false role models—I made an independent decision to stay off social media. I resisted peer pressure and prioritized my well-being and personal growth.
Result: Reflecting later in high school, I felt proud of my decision. I realized I had developed the ability to make independent choices and stay resilient against external pressures. This experience reinforced my self-confidence and taught me the value of staying true to my principles.
Social Media Experience Skills highlighted
Resilience
Social Media Experience connection to MMI?
In medicine, doctors often face external pressures and challenging situations where they must make independent, sound decisions. My experience of resisting peer pressure and maintaining my autonomy mirrors the resilience and ethical integrity required in the medical field. This ability to stay true to my values and make informed, independent decisions is crucial in providing patient-centred care and upholding medical ethics.
Study Habits STAR
Situation: In Year 10, I realized my study habits were inefficient. I’d spend 5:00 - 9:00 PM at my desk, but only about 45% of that time was actually spent studying; the rest was unproductive online activity.
Task: I needed to improve my time management and study efficiency to boost my academic performance.
Action: I consulted classmates and friends to understand their study methods. Analyzing my own routine, I discovered I was disorganized, especially with digital device usage. I then created schedules with hourly deadlines and regular breaks to ensure focused study periods.
Result: This approach led to more efficient time usage, improved study habits, and better academic performance overall.
Study Habits Skills highlighted
Self-awareness
Study Habits connection to MMI
