My internship was to create a Smithsonian Learning Lab exhibit that forged a bridge between the Smithsonian National Museum of American History: Medicine and Science Collections Washington, D.C., and those of the Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, Ohio.
Please visit: “Who Cares” http://learninglab.si.edu/q/ll-c/3LXidXoP4xkEhBvH
“ Because of my internship, I am…”
Proud of the work accomplished: as it broke new ground in highlighting women’s achievements in the area of medicine and science, that it has provided evidence for how women are seldom recognized or their artifacts collected; that it encourages attention to be drawn to women’s lives and stories; that a novel way of promoting this history has been developed on an innovative platform that will encourage use of the collections of NMAH Medicine & Science & the Western Reserve Historical Society.
Comforted by recognizing historic limits of medicine and science, which councils’ patience when I am caring for family members, or in the face my own health challenges. I am more empathetic with the striving of myself and others to achieve recognition. I commiserate with and seek to encourage those who are quiet or who have been overlooked, viewed as ordinary as their heroism may be greater than those whom we applaud.
More courageous having attempted something new, recognized it was more difficult than anticipated and still persevered. I am less fearful of looking foolish, breaking something, or violating rules. I am grateful for the space and opportunity to explore, collaborate with experts, rethink the use of standard practices, technological tools, and the limits of location, resources, and connections.
Wiser for having viewed my understanding of women, healthcare, place, and significance from an entirely different perspective. More thoughtful for having observed and experienced ‘teaching and learning’ in a different environment.
Committed to restoring what has been hidden, to being more intentional in valuing the students, the colleagues, and the people I interact with daily; to collecting their stories and their heritage and thereby the indomitable power of the human spirit.
