Monica Wei

Starting May 6, 2025, I’ll begin an online course at Boston University called Introduction to Computer Information Systems. This class is more than just a requirement — it’s my gateway to the online Health Informatics master’s program.

Back in China, I majored in the humanities — Art History — and worked in the arts field for several years. I have no prior academic or professional background in tech or healthcare. So, to officially enter the Health Informatics program, I need to complete two prerequisite courses with a qualifying grade. One is Medical Terminology Pre-Lab, and the other is this upcoming CIS course, which runs from May through mid-August. I’ll need at least a B to pass.

To give this my all, I made a big decision last month: I left my full-time job — one I’d held for over three years and where I was deeply valued — to fully commit to this career shift. Since then, I’ve been adjusting my routine, strengthening my English, finishing up the final modules of the medical terminology course, registering for the summer semester, and completing BU’s excellent online orientation.

More importantly, I’ve decided to document this journey. Each week, I’ll share at least one learning journal in both English and Chinese here. I want to honestly reflect on my experiences: the growth and the setbacks, the excitement and the uncertainty.

This project isn’t just about content creation. It’s also a way to strengthen my bilingual communication skills, stay accountable, and show — both to myself and to others — that it’s never too late to pivot into a new field like Health Informatics.

I’m excited. I’m nervous. But I’m all in.

Let’s go!