Reflection Time

February 13.  A year ago today, I received an email saying I was accepted to my top choice medical school, where I am currently nose-deep in microbiology!  This last year has undoubtedly been the most difficult and stressful year of my life so far, but I am amazed at how much I have accomplished and learned in just 12 months.

In April, I wrote my honors thesis and graduated from college amidst the 150+ bomb threats that plagued my school.  I learned to cook more than just the basics, and I started this blog, which already has a couple thousand views!  Over the summer, I was responsible for 14 teenage girls in a month-long program.  I definitely underestimated how stressful the job would be and how very little sleep I would get, but it was still an amazing experience, and I'm looking forward to returning next summer (this time in charge of more stuff! Oh boy...)

And then medical school...

I've met hundreds of new people this year, 140+ in my class alone, and I feel like I entered into a huge family.  I love my class and all the friends I've made, and I can't imagine being anywhere else.  As hard as school is and as much as I complain about all the studying I have to do, I am very thankful to be at this great school, surrounded by such amazing people!

I learned pretty much every major organ, muscle, nerve, and blood vessel in the human body.  I learned biochemistry, genetics, and cell bio/pathology in 3 months.  I made it through immunology alive.  I learned how to take a patient's medical history.  I perfected the steps of a normal physical exam.  I still can't see the fundus of the eye, but I'm getting there!  I took my first history and physical on a REAL patient.  And I realized that I really like pediatrics, even though I've never been a fan of screaming babies.

I've changed so much in the last 6 months alone.  When we did the Meyers-Briggs personality test before matriculation, I was a strong introvert.  My personality since starting medical school has changed so much that many of my classmates can't believe that I didn't score as an extrovert!  I went out of my comfort zone to join an a cappella group, and I love it!!

Also in the last year, I got two new nephews who I can't wait to squeeze when I see them next! :)

With that amazing year behind me, I'll have to work extra hard to make this next year even more amazing!  Things I'm looking forward to:

• Neuroscience! Finally something I have a background in!
• Getting fit!
• Training for a 5K with my mommy :)
• Learning to ride a bike (that's right! I don't know how...yet!)
• Being a counselor again this summer
• Starting my 2nd year of medical school!

So here's to an even BETTER year, and what better way to start out than by cuddling newborn babies tomorrow? :)