Writing Skills for Everyday Impact: Layla Rafaat’s Research Journey with Lumiere

Guest IntroductionShelly Howard hosts Layla, a student from College Ready, discussing her research project on Alzheimer's disease. Research MotivationLayla chose to research Alzheimer's disease due to her personal connection; her great-grandmother suffered from it, igniting her curiosity. Research ProcessShe found a research opportunity through the College Ready portal, which connected her with the Lumiere program offering structured research projects. Mentorship ExperienceLayla was matched with a mentor who had a strong background in neurological disorders and provided guidance throughout the research process. Structured ScheduleThe program included weekly meetings and deadlines set by Lumiere, which helped Layla manage her time effectively despite her busy schedule. Research EnjoymentLayla enjoyed the research, focusing on non-pharmaceutical interventions such as diet and fitness, making it accessible for Alzheimer's patients. Writing and PublishingWriting the research paper took about eight weeks. Layla plans to publish her findings to share her work broadly and bring awareness to the subject. Startup InitiativeShe developed a digital platform for caregivers and patients with Alzheimer's, integrating scheduling and dietary advice, furthering her commitment to the cause. Empower EducationLayla is now the president of Empower Education, highlighting the community's impact on education in underserved regions, like Uganda. Encouragement for PeersLayla advises students to start with College Ready, emphasizing how it opens doors to various opportunities and helps discover passions. Connect with Shellee Howard: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramLinkedInEmail: [email protected] 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact 🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes? 📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook 🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready?Email Julienne at [email protected]