A Reflection on Growth, Challenges and Community in My First Semester as a ResearchAssistant

By: Malae Hill

When I first joined the Research on Equity and Action for Community Health (REACH)

Lab, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I had never worked in a research setting before, and I was nervous about stepping into something so new. But after taking Dr. Joyce Yang’s general psychology class, I knew this was the lab I wanted to be a part of. The way she taught made a huge impact on me because she broke things down in a way that made the material feel approachable. You could really tell that she cared about our learning and wanted us to be curious. That same energy carried over into the lab, which made me feel comfortable and excited to grow. I knew I’d be pushed to do better, learn more, and explore the things that interested me most

about psychology.

Looking back, I’ve learned so much this past year. My attention to detail has improved a

lot, especially through transcription because we need to make sure every word and story is

captured accurately. I’ve also gotten better at organizing information, giving respectful feedback, and speaking up even when I might have a different opinion than the group. That part was hard at first, especially when it feels easier just to agree and go along. But I’ve learned that honest and kind feedback can help the whole team grow and help us do better for the people we’re doing research for.

At the beginning, my main task was transcribing interviews. These were really emotional

and powerful interviews with sexual assault survivors who talked about their upbringings,

personal stories, and their goals for the future. I realized that getting their stories right wasn’t just about accuracy, but about respect. This experience really opened my eyes and helped break down some of the biases I didn’t even realize I had about life outside the U.S. I also learned so much about the psychology of abuse, especially the role that power and authority play in betrayal, and how communities sometimes respond (or don’t respond) to abuse. It gave me a deeper understanding of the emotional and physical impact survivors carry with them, and how much culture and systems influence that.

Dr. Yang’s professional critiques have also helped me so much. She doesn’t just tell us

“good job”, she gives us thoughtful, direct advice that actually helps us grow. I’ve become more confident communicating in a professional setting, especially over email, and I’ve started finding my own style when it comes to dressing and presenting myself professionally (which isn’t easy when you don’t have many examples). I also feel more confident asking questions beyond understanding the research better, but to engage more deeply with the topics we’re studying. That comfort comes from being in a lab where curiosity is encouraged, and where I know my thoughts and ideas are valued.

I still have a lot to learn, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Being in the REACH Lab

has shown me what research looks like when it's done with communities, not just about them. It reminded me that psychology isn't just a subject in class but a tool to better understand and serve others.