And So It Begins
Posted 10-31-2009 at 08:31 PM by 2000 Man
August 8, 2009
I am back in medical school!! It seems so unreal at times and I thank God often for giving me this second chance. This week was orientation which is a 3 day welcome/info session/registration session. Orientation is very pleasant with all kinds of welcomes and "we're glad you're here" speeches, helpful hints and subtle warnings about what is to come. Having been through this before I know all too well what is waiting for us starting next week when classes start on Monday. As I sat listening to the various presentations I would look around the room at the blissfully ignorant young faces who have no idea how much their lives will change shortly. But I also had a sense of how different I felt this time; sober, clear-headed, fit and full of energy. A far cry from how I had started 4 years ago. The class is many made up of 20-30 year olds, but I did notice 1 or 2 that were a bit more "seasoned". The challenge for me is to not let this age difference phase me, or keep me from becoming an active part of the class. Last time I really isolated myself and that was not good at all.
I also spent a bit of time this week trying to finish up my application for the Navy HPSP. Nearly everything is in but there are still a few pieces missing. This application process is very, very detailed and requires a bunch of paperwork. I also got fingerprinted and filled out an online form to start my security clearance background check. On Thursday I was interviewed by an Admiral who is also a family practice doctor. The interview went very well and he was encouraging and hopeful about my chances of getting in. I have 2 more pieces of paperwork to get from my school and a couple of letters of recommendation that need to be sent and my app will be complete. My recruiter is hoping to get my packet out to the Navy board the week of August 17th. With any luck I'll have an initial yes or no by the 1st or 2nd week in September. My wife and I are very excited about the possibilty of serving in the Navy and are praying everyday that the Lord will open this door for us.
So here it is Saturday afternoon and where am I? In the school library studying biochemistry. We were given our first packet of handouts on Wednesday and the professors have posted the powerpoints to the lectures that start Monday. I remember from last time how quickly and easily you get behind so I decided to start early and get ahead this time. It is so great how different things feel this time. I am really enjoying learning the material and feel like I am retaining more of it as I go.
By the way classes start Monday, our first test is a week from Wednesday and covers about 12-13 lectures and about 150 pages of handouts.
And so it begins!
I am back in medical school!! It seems so unreal at times and I thank God often for giving me this second chance. This week was orientation which is a 3 day welcome/info session/registration session. Orientation is very pleasant with all kinds of welcomes and "we're glad you're here" speeches, helpful hints and subtle warnings about what is to come. Having been through this before I know all too well what is waiting for us starting next week when classes start on Monday. As I sat listening to the various presentations I would look around the room at the blissfully ignorant young faces who have no idea how much their lives will change shortly. But I also had a sense of how different I felt this time; sober, clear-headed, fit and full of energy. A far cry from how I had started 4 years ago. The class is many made up of 20-30 year olds, but I did notice 1 or 2 that were a bit more "seasoned". The challenge for me is to not let this age difference phase me, or keep me from becoming an active part of the class. Last time I really isolated myself and that was not good at all.
I also spent a bit of time this week trying to finish up my application for the Navy HPSP. Nearly everything is in but there are still a few pieces missing. This application process is very, very detailed and requires a bunch of paperwork. I also got fingerprinted and filled out an online form to start my security clearance background check. On Thursday I was interviewed by an Admiral who is also a family practice doctor. The interview went very well and he was encouraging and hopeful about my chances of getting in. I have 2 more pieces of paperwork to get from my school and a couple of letters of recommendation that need to be sent and my app will be complete. My recruiter is hoping to get my packet out to the Navy board the week of August 17th. With any luck I'll have an initial yes or no by the 1st or 2nd week in September. My wife and I are very excited about the possibilty of serving in the Navy and are praying everyday that the Lord will open this door for us.
So here it is Saturday afternoon and where am I? In the school library studying biochemistry. We were given our first packet of handouts on Wednesday and the professors have posted the powerpoints to the lectures that start Monday. I remember from last time how quickly and easily you get behind so I decided to start early and get ahead this time. It is so great how different things feel this time. I am really enjoying learning the material and feel like I am retaining more of it as I go.
By the way classes start Monday, our first test is a week from Wednesday and covers about 12-13 lectures and about 150 pages of handouts.
And so it begins!
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