I've been blogging in my head during car trips since Sunday. I apologize if this is scattered - it totally is. But hey, that's how my brain works. (Women are spaghetti, remember? Life's events are all scrambled together.)
I found it slightly odd that every so often on the thruway, NYS felt inclined to spend precious budget dollars to put up signs that remind us we're on Interstate 90. Uhm, thanks? Generally when people have been driving on the same road for several miles (in my case, 125+) and they have to pay to exit, they know what highway they're on. But thank you, New York. Your elderly population that drives 50 mph everywhere is grateful.
The little "Freshmen Welcome" at Roberts on Monday made me reminisce. President Martin told all the incoming students (I say all, but there are only 170-something of them, I think) that their lives will be drastically changed over the next several years. I actually wanted to clap and agree with him. I thought back on all the days I've had at Bobby Wes. And all the nights I spent dreaming of intravenous caffeine while studying in the library. And all the roommates I've had. And all the crazy, stupid things I did freshman year that I'd never consider doing now (i.e. making a video of you and your roommate acting drunk in the snow and posting it on Facebook for the world's viewing pleasure). All the coffee and mochas. All the discussions and papers and money spent on textbooks. All the post-its and index cards. All the memories.
Thinking about leaving the Roberts Bubble behind freaks me out. I'm registered for the GRE (August 18th!) and I started my CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants) application! There are a few schools I'll most likely apply to: SUNY Upstate (backup), University of New Mexico, University of Colorado, Emory University, and Yale. There will definitely be more, but I haven't narrowed it down yet. I would love to move west or south. Yale and Emory have a dual PA/MPH program that would be awesome to get into, but it would also mean a really crazy three years. I guess I just have to wait and see...and do well on the GRE.
In other news, I was at urgent care for the second time in less than a week yesterday. I have a bilateral ear infection - joy. Story of my life. Toy Story 3 is remarkable (check out these cupcakes!). I'm going to the cottage by myself tomorrow for some alone time. Expect more blogs.
I love healthcare. I say that seriously, believe it or not. Medicine is an incredible profession; the ability to improve the quality of life is such a gift. If doctors would just stop to listen to their patients and laugh with them, I think the healing process would be much faster. I'm blessed to be in the position I'm in at the hospital, not because it helps me meet criteria for grad school, but because I'm learning to interact with people who are desperate for human interaction. More than anything, though, I'm learning to love those who couldn't care less about anything.
I could babble forever, but I'll spare you. I'm off to pack for the weekend. Buenas noches.
6/30/2010
6/27/2010
Stitches and Confirmation
I got my first stitches this week. That is, the first stitches I was awake to get. I cut my finger open on a knife. The real kicker? I had just opened the package, which said, "Caution: Blade is sharp." I rolled my eyes and wondered Who is stupid enough to cut themselves on a kitchen knife? It turns out I am.
But anyway. There's a family that has been in the hospital for over a week now. I say family because the dad was the patient last week, and his son and daughter-in-law kept him company. This week, the son was the patient. The entire time they've been there, they've been nothing but easy-to-please, appreciative, and just plain wonderful.
The son, who is probably about my dad's age, looked at me this morning and said, "Wow, you look nice today! Do you have a hot date tonight or somethin'?" (His personality is very much like my dad's, too, so I knew he didn't mean to be creepy.) His wife came in to say hello this morning, left for church, and came back after church was over. He, on the other hand, sat in his chair and took notes while some TV pastor was preaching.
Lunch was late today, and it came up in conversation when I went in to check on his roommate. We chatted about "normal" times to eat, and I mentioned that when I'm at school, I always eat lunch at noon unless I skip chapel. The next time I came in, he asked me where I was in college, and I told him I go to Roberts. It turns out, his pastor's son goes there (and is a super-fantastic pianist).
I met his pastor (who stopped in after lunch) and spoke with him for a bit - what a great guy. I went to say goodbye before I left today (I know, I know, who does that? But in my defense, he's probaby getting discharged soon and I'm off tomorrow.) and told him and his wife that I really enjoyed talking with them and that I hope they all stay out of the hospital for a while. He looked at me and said, "You know, you're in the right field. Good luck on your last year in college. You really stand out here - keep it up."
And I knew. Hearing that from a patient was simply confirmation to me that I am where God wants me. I'm pursuing something that I'm not only fascinated by, but that I'm good at. I was so encouraged. Even though I missed church this morning, God spoke loudly and clearly through one man who was willing to open his mouth and say something kind. I am in awe.
But anyway. There's a family that has been in the hospital for over a week now. I say family because the dad was the patient last week, and his son and daughter-in-law kept him company. This week, the son was the patient. The entire time they've been there, they've been nothing but easy-to-please, appreciative, and just plain wonderful.
The son, who is probably about my dad's age, looked at me this morning and said, "Wow, you look nice today! Do you have a hot date tonight or somethin'?" (His personality is very much like my dad's, too, so I knew he didn't mean to be creepy.) His wife came in to say hello this morning, left for church, and came back after church was over. He, on the other hand, sat in his chair and took notes while some TV pastor was preaching.
Lunch was late today, and it came up in conversation when I went in to check on his roommate. We chatted about "normal" times to eat, and I mentioned that when I'm at school, I always eat lunch at noon unless I skip chapel. The next time I came in, he asked me where I was in college, and I told him I go to Roberts. It turns out, his pastor's son goes there (and is a super-fantastic pianist).
I met his pastor (who stopped in after lunch) and spoke with him for a bit - what a great guy. I went to say goodbye before I left today (I know, I know, who does that? But in my defense, he's probaby getting discharged soon and I'm off tomorrow.) and told him and his wife that I really enjoyed talking with them and that I hope they all stay out of the hospital for a while. He looked at me and said, "You know, you're in the right field. Good luck on your last year in college. You really stand out here - keep it up."
And I knew. Hearing that from a patient was simply confirmation to me that I am where God wants me. I'm pursuing something that I'm not only fascinated by, but that I'm good at. I was so encouraged. Even though I missed church this morning, God spoke loudly and clearly through one man who was willing to open his mouth and say something kind. I am in awe.
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