My goal was to go to med school when I began taking science courses post-bac. I did not make an acceptable score on the MCAT, so I applied to two PA schools. I had two years experience as a surgical tech with a biology degree in hand. I was accepted to one of the programs at one of the top Southeastern US medical centers. The class was small & the people really annoyed me. I did not participate in group activities, etc. I thought that by becoming a PA it would cure my desire to become a physician. I WAS WRONG!! I was always depressed, did not like my classmates, you get the picture. It all revolved around my deep desire to go to med school. I passed my classes by the skin of my teeth. I did not study and "winged" the test. I almost survived the first year until the end of the third quarter. I failed a class (F). I was dismissed from the program with the option to reapply for the next year having to start from the beginning. What a slap in the face that was and was my wake-up call in life. I took for granted the privilege that was given to me to be one of 24 students that was selected out of ~500. I am mad at myself for not giving that spot to someone else who truly wanted it. I went through the motions & said to myself you need to stick it out and you will make a good living etc. Boy, was I wrong!! Money does not buy happiness. The moral of the story is stick to your core goals that you set long ago. Do not give up on them. Life is too short to say "what if"! I am finally have my ducks in a row and am going to apply to med school now years later. I am mentally prepared now and have seen the mistakes I made and learned from them. Being a PA is not for everyone. You must really be excited about wanting to be a part of the profession and accept your limitations in practice. I could not and that is why I failed myself and my family. So I am getting up and wiping the dust off and giving it a shot at a goal I set years ago; to become a physician. Good luck in your decision and do your research and study hard!!
