In my practicum experience, I worked for a year as a research assistant with the Autism, Family, Culture and Communication Education Lab (ACCEL). ACCEL is a team of students and faculty focused on early intervention and education for autism and developmental delays promoting culturally relevant practices for language, communication, and daily skills. has been an exploration journey that connects the fields of science and society influence. I explore my time at ACCEL in this reflective essay, detailing my journey from first discovery to significant personal development and its long-term effects on my academic and professional trajectory. After searching the Maryland Opportunities for Research Experiences (MORE) portal for research opportunities, I came upon ACCEL. I was moved by ACCEL's purpose, as in my past, I have worked with children and I was excited to learn more about the focus of minority groups and their experiences with children who had disabilities, given it was a topic I had never seen scientific research on before. However, before ACCEL, I explored numerous other labs focused on things such as agriculture, aerospace, and linguistics. By taking the initiative to reach out and communicate professionally, I made connections with researchers and academics and demonstrated my excitement and dedication. This proactive attitude finally brought me to ACCEL, where I discovered a supportive setting for in-depth study and practical experience. As a research assistant at ACCEL, I was responsible for a wide range of tasks that all added to a comprehensive knowledge of scientific research and its social ramifications. An extensive study of the existing literature on youth with developmental and intellectual disabilities, their families, and their experiences alike was conducted to uncover the complex subtleties of family outcomes for children with impairments worldwide. Furthermore, examining our own intervention videos gave me firsthand knowledge of the difficulties and successes of putting culturally appropriate approaches into practice when working with developmentally disabled youth and their families. In addition, examining prior awards and financial grants to research similar to ours provided priceless insights into the strategic frameworks supporting our science. I now have a greater understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of scientific research and its significant influence on people and communities as a result of this. Despite having a strong scientific foundation, my time at ACCEL went beyond conventional academic limits and provided valuable insights into the real-world applications of science and society. Seeing the real-world effects of culturally appropriate treatments on families and communities reinforced the transformative potential of research in solving pressing issues. This experience has changed my academic goals and sparked a love for community involvement and multidisciplinary collaboration. It has also deeply ingrained in me a sense of obligation to use scientific knowledge to advance society. I am incredibly appreciative of ACCEL for the chances it provided and the lessons it taught me when I think back on my time there. My attitude to scientific investigation has been radically changed by this experience, which has reinforced the value of thorough research, empathy, and cultural awareness. I'm determined to pursue my academic goals going forward and will be looking for chances to work with interdisciplinary teams and conduct further research. In addition, I have a fresh sense of purpose that motivates me to use my knowledge and abilities to solve important societal issues in order to make a significant contribution. In summary, my practicum at ACCEL has been a life-changing experience of introspection and intellectual development. This experience has had a lasting impact on my academic and personal path, from negotiating the complexities of scientific research to seeing the significant impact on individuals and communities. With the priceless knowledge I gained and the enduring relationships I made at ACCEL, I am well-positioned to make a significant impact at the dynamic nexus of science and society as I forge ahead.