Celebrate 1k Subscribers with me! Book Giveaway!

[@hephzibah9773]

Wow. Congrats Katie You deserve more because your videos are helpful. And how is your "kiddo".

[@sarahcunningham2139]

Hi Katie! Congrats on reaching 1000 subscribers! Thank you for making your videos. They’ve been so helpful to me in applying to genetic counseling programs and learning about reproductive genetics from the genetic counselor point of view. I have two related questions for you. What has been the most surprising thing about starting your KZbin channel? What has been the most rewarding? Those questions can be about the genetic counseling awareness videos or kegs and eggs. Thanks for making the videos! If I do happen to win, I’d prefer January First. I’ve already read and own Henrietta Lacks.

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Hey Sarah! I am thrilled to hear that you have found my channel useful during the application process. I am wishing you so much luck this cycle. Ohh a KZbin-related question- FUN! I think just how easy it has been, the fact that you really just need time and a phone to get started. I am hoping to get more GCs on KZbin. Most rewarding is definitely hearing from viewers and I am really looking forward to this year hearing about where some of my viewers match. Kegs and Eggs wise, I love being a resource for other women going through recurrent miscarriages. You're entered!

[@jessiechen8979]

Hello Katie!! Congrats wooo!!! The questions I have for you are what are some of the topics that you wish more people knew about the field and what are the kinds of things you personally wish you knew before pursuing genetic counseling? Thank you again for all you do and happy to witness the growth of this channel over the years

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Thanks so much Jessie! I am so happy to reach this milestone! Thanks for coming along on the ride. Ohh those are both thinkers! I will need to spend some time reflecting but I will definitely cover those topics. You're entered in the giveaway.

[@hannahf.9546]

Hey Katie! Congratulations on 1k!! I would love to read January First since I have already read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks after learning about her story in my very first college biology class as “optional material.” My question is what is one piece of advice that you could give to an undergraduate student who is getting ready to prepare for the admissions process in Fall 2022. Also I would love to see a video diving more into depth about questions to ask during interviews and how best to prepare for interviews besides practicing and researching the different programs of interest. Thank you so much for all your content and this giveaway ❤️

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

You are entered into the giveaway Hannah! Thanks so much for watching. Oh these are great questions. I could talk about the interviews forever so I will definitely have more on that. I think my biggest piece of advice for someone planning to apply in the coming application cycle is to confirm that you have met all requirements (not just classes, but also a solid advocacy role where meaningful experiences were gained, quality recommenders, an excellent understanding of GCing, etc.) well in advance of the fall, and if one or more area is lacking delay applying for another year to gain that experience so you are a well-rounded and prepared candidate. If you feel you've met all the marks to apply this fall than I would start recording and journaling about impactful experiences from your life, your volunteer positions, or your jobs, that can be included in the PS and in interviews.

[@dishapatel1417]

Hi Katie! Congrats on reaching 1k subscribers that is very exciting! Your videos have been so helpful as I prep for the interview season, and I am really excited to see them pop up on my feed. I would love to read January First I am very intrigued by it and excited to read it! One thing I would love to hear from you is what advice do you have for graduate school; are there specific experiences we should take a part in or are there any tips that helped you? I also would love to hear if were any specific things you looked for when applying to genetic counseling positions for example community and support? Thank you for your videos and this giveaway!!

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Hi Disha! :) I am rooting for you this application cycle and hope you get a great Match. You are entered in the giveaway! Ohhh these are good questions. I will definitely include in a future video. Thanks so much for watching.

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Hey Disha! You are one of the winners. Will you email me your address at [e-mail] and I will send you January first!

[@erikatixtha9015]

Hi Katie, congrats on reaching 1K - that's so exciting! I'm currently in the middle of the 2022 application process for GC schools, stressfully waiting to hear back about interviews. :) I'm especially interested in neurogenetics as a specialty, particularly because so many of these conditions are tied to (or worsened by) aging, which I'm studying in my current M.S. program. At the same time, one GC told me that that neurogenetics is one of the most draining specialties because of the types of conditions you see. I'm wondering if you can speak to this, and also talk about your favorite methods of self care? Thank you so much!

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Hang in there, Erika! It is such a stressful time. So much waiting and so much on the line. Great questions! I am going to have to give the Neurogenetics GC I know a call and cover this topic. I think you would be an amazing asset to the Neuro GC community if you come in already having a good understanding due to your previous Masters and experience. A lot of people would say pediatrics is draining (some of your patients die from their conditions), prenatal and preconception is draining (some babies/fetuses die or are terminated or patients fight for years and never conceive), cancer genetics is depressing and the list could go on and on. But truthfully most people settle into a specialty where they feel they are making an impact on their patients and the good outweighs the bad. I know I feel that way. More to come on this. Curious to hear what GC in neuro has to say. You're entered!

[@andreajohnson8712]

Hi Katie! Congrats on 1K! As someone going through the admissions process now and your channel has been a livesaver! One question I have for you (and would love to see more videos on) is what to expect during grad school! What was the day to day like and how was it balancing personal and academic life? What should you expect from supervisors and mentors during the process? While I am still so focused in getting into a program (fingers crossed on interviews!) I am so curious about that next chapter!

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Hey Andrea. Thanks so much for watching. You're entered! And I will def answer these questions in my upcoming Q&A. Great ideas. I think it's totally normal to start looking forward to and wondering about the next step after match (my fingers are crossed for you).

[@hannahmoran2798]

Hello Katie! I love your channel because it has significantly helped me during my Genetic Counseling application process. I just finished reading the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks this morning! The book was so intriguing to me and it has resulted in me having great discussions with friends and family about its impact. One question I have is what inspired your interest in psychiatric genetics and how have you incorporated that interest into your work?

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

I am so, so happy to hear that you have found my channel useful! That's the goal! Some helpful tips and to help applicants feel less alone in the process. It is such a good book!! If you haven't already, you've got to watch the movie- it is on Hulu. The movie is by no means as good as the book, but it's got Oprah as Henrietta's daughter and who doesn't love a book/movie combo. That's a great question. It definitely all started with my own family history of mental illness/ substance use and the interest in that, which lead me to volunteer in my undergrad's locked psych ward, which led me to my first job out of school responding to individuals in crisis in the community. There is definitely more to tell. You're entered in the giveaway!

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Hey Hannah! You are one of the winners. Will you email me your address at [e-mail] and I will send you January first!

[@adipop5512]

Hi Katie, congrats on reaching 1K! I apply for GC schools and I have an interview in few weeks. I did shadowing with a genetic counseling, but I will really appreciate if you can have a phone call with me to understand better the profession and to talk about genetics and schizophrenia. I have two family members that they have it. I will also buy the book January First. Thank you so much for all you do is very helpful to bad I find you only after I applied.

[@beccamiekley8501]

Congratulations on 1k! Your videos are so helpful for going through the application process I appreciate it so much! I would love to know about the process of choosing a specialty during grad school. What did you look for during your rotations or how did you know which specialty was right for you? Thank you!

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Thanks for watching Becca! You are entered. I am so glad to hear you've found value in my videos as you've gone through the process. I am wishing you luck as interviews roll out. This is a great question. I'll definitely have to make a video on this because I've got a lot to say on the topic. I was pretty much interested in every specialty except cancer at some point or another.

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

What questions do you have for my Q&A video?

[@thegreatandterrible4508]

What jobs would you suggest for someone trying to bolster their resume for genetic counseling programs?

[@chocolateluva231]

Hi Katie! I would like to know how you transitioned from clinical to industry work and ways to grow your salary as a GC. Thanks :)

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

@@thegreatandterrible4508 Great question. You're entered into the give away! Anything with transferable skills to genetic counseling that you are passionate about. I will answer in more detail over video, but truly if it is a job that somehow relates to interpreting genetic data (lab work, data science, research) or working with people in any capacity that shows off your interpersonal skills, ability to communicate complex information, or psychosocial awareness that is great. There is not just 5 or even just 100 jobs that would be good for bolstering the resume. In fact I think the more unique the better and again if it is something you're passionate about that will transfer well to your personal statement and interview. It's all about pulling some specific examples out of the job that demonstrate your skillset for GCing.

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

@@chocolateluva231 Thanks so much for watching! We also love oreos in our household. These are two great questions. coming in hot in a future video. You are entered into the give away.

[@shreyanandy2026]

congratulation on 1k .Is this giveaway open internationally?? i would love to participate it the giveaway and would love to read january first ...i have heard abt this book so much that now i really want that book

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Thank You! I think it will depend on the country and what shipping/ordering options I have. What country are you located in? January First is one of my all-time favorite memoirs. There is a lot of content about Jani and her brother available online in video and written form. Unfortunately, as time has gone on, I think her parents have become more and more exploitative with the kids. At the same time I genuinely believe they don't know where to turn for help.

[@shreyanandy2026]

@@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248 I am from India... And thanks for providing the review and short description of the book 💙

[@emilysmusic268]

Looking to apply in 2023 or 2024 and love all the info you have shared! It’s really helped me to be brave enough to reach out to GCs near me. My question is should I avoid reaching out to GCs that are not listed on the NSGC website/not open to student contact even if I have a connection to them (several work at the same large reference lab as me)? I don’t want seem intrusive or inconsiderate, but it seems like that’s a logical place to go to with questions. Thanks!

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Good! Reach out to those local GCs or really even any GC (telehealth, GCs working in a specialty or setting you're interested in). No, you shouldn't avoid reaching out to GCs that aren't listed. At my first job, I was not listed on NSGC because I wasn't an active member. I wanted to be, but my employer didn't pay for it and I didn't want to spend my own money at the time. I would have been more than happy for student contact. And definitely reach out to GCs working at the same ref. lab as you. That's a great connection point/common grounds to start with. It's always good to say why you want to connect with that person specifically rather than a generic email if at all possible. You're entered in the give away!

[@rashijain5920]

Hi, Congrats for 1k Subscribers. What's the name of your child who made that card for you? I am in your mail list as well😊

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Rashi, you're entered! I used to love following a bunch of mom vloggers on KZbin while I was waiting to start my own family. Over time my feelings on sharing and monetizing a child's life with the general public changed. Now I am pretty careful about the digital footprint my kids inherit from me so I don't share their real names. I call my kindergartener Sonny because I love that name and we do actually use it as a nickname and our baby, we call her Frenchy online because Sonny desperately wanted to name her French Fry.