Finding My Way

Nobody exactly thinks about how genetic counseling applies to them until they lose someone to a disease that could be due to faulty genes. My grandma on my mother’s side of the family passed away from breast cancer and the first thing my family did was deal with the grief. We tackled the pain and heartbreak headfirst and after those feelings subsided, we had to think: what next? Could our family members be at risk of getting breast cancer because of our shared genetic information? When it comes to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, mutated BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most commonly affected genes. Knowing that information, my mother decided to visit a genetic counselor and investigate if she had the dreaded genes. Fortunately, her results came back negative for both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. It made me think though: what does it mean to be a genetic counselor, and did I have the skills to be one myself and make an impact on society?

 

When thinking about being an effective genetic counselor, there are some skills that come to mind: having good communication skills, being compassionate, having critical-thinking skills, and having decision-making skills. After identifying my strengths, I concluded that I possessed those listed skills and that I could really succeed in the field of genetic counseling. My top strength was being an empathizer or someone that could naturally relate to what others are going through. I was also listed as a timekeeper or someone that could effectively manage timelines and deadlines and is successful with structure. Next, I was described as a commander or someone that can take charge and direct people efficiently. I was then labeled a strategist or someone that is able to see the big picture and sees how things are interconnected. Lastly, I was classified as a deliverer or someone that is able to take responsibility and ability to follow through with commitments. All of these traits combined would allow me to balance both the emotional and practical aspects of being a genetic counselor. They enable me to lead ethically, efficiently, and compassionately and to assist patients in the same manner. Having these skills and these strengths motivates me to be the best genetic counselor I am capable of being.