Living the dream

So my 20 year journey through education (in an institutional sense) is coming to a close. It's been quite a road for me. There have been some rough patches, some tears, struggles, a few blows to my self-esteem, quite a bit of mileage and wear on my little Toyota, a large amount of debt, many frustrations, anxiety (especially those OSCE's), unpaid labor, and many, many late nights extending into the early morning hours. I know I share many similar sentiments with my classmates with whom I will miss all of them. I really will. So as a tribute to them and all those who find themselves on a long and seemingly endless journey, I would like to share a quote by Thomas Paine:

"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."

Not that PA school will be the hardest thing I do in my life. I think parenthood will probably top that. I need to go knock on some wood now... We all find ourselves going through different situations, different struggles, and sometimes wondering if it's all really worth it, if this is the place where we need to be and are we doing what we need to be doing. Early on in my first rotation, I wrote on my styrafoam cup: "I'M LIVING THE DREAM!!". That statement has become my motto and I would often repeat it in my mind or share it with my colleagues while I was going through some hard times or just doing the less-desirable tasks. And it was true: I was living the dream, I just had to take it in steps. I would remember back to how desperately I wanted to get into PA school, and then later on how eager I was to start my rotations. I think lately I have been really eager to get out of school, find a job, and actually get PAID for the work I do. I will probably soon realize the advantages of being a student (not worrying about getting fired or sued, having the "excuse" of not knowing an answer or two), and especially the awesome classmates I have had shared many hours and a few laughs with.

I hope I haven't taken these for granted too much. I will still be learning and still continuing to study. My character will continue to be built up and refined, and as Richard G. Scott said, "Character is the manifestation of what you are becoming." So here's to another glorious triumph, and as we Trojans say, "Fight On!"