Since the interview is coming up fast and I had a random day off, I decided to look for my suit. Of course, it isn't easy being such a small size to find any professional clothes. (yeah, I know it is a random issue to have). I got lucky today, found this dress and a nice black blazer to go over. Granted, I spent more money than I hoped, but this outfit should last me forever. If the outfit helps boost my confidence, and it helps me get into medical school, then the cost doesn't matter. (I'm not sure if this reasoning really makes sense, but it does in my head).

I am also STILL working on essays. The two Oregon schools are the current two. I wrote a lot today, hopefully can get one sent off tomorrow and the other by the end of this week. There seems to be so much going on that I am having a hard time getting enough quality time to finish these. I can and I will do it.

Interview!

I got my first email inviting me to an interview in September! I am excited, but nervous. I haven't thought about all the details of actually going to an interview. I feel like I have so many things going on this month that I can't catch my breath. I am still working on essays, I have the 2 Oregon schools to complete, and 2 more in the midwest that I think I should apply to as well.
Looking at all this, money is going to be tight for a while. Oh boy. Getting an interview seems like a very good sign, hopefully things will continue to progress this smoothly for the next step as well (getting accepted)!!!

Touching base

Things have been quite crazy lately. Balancing life with these secondary essays and applications. Enjoying every moment of summer and the garden, keeps me outdoors instead of inside writing essays. I am getting there though. I believe I have about 4 more secondaries to submit. The schools I have applied to have sent confirmation emails that my file is complete. Things are moving along smoothly.

I'm off to run some errands before work. I finally got a week to train, gain skills, and most importantly confidence. (and of course a break from my regular location!).

Secondaries

Working on a new set of essays now. My secondaries all came in at the same time. Of course my internet decided to be flaky that same week. I am on day 11 since receiving these secondary emails. So far I have submitted only one. It is even more tough to be organized for this round. All separate emails, all different requirements. I have discovered a few more applications that only need a picture and no essays. That makes the picture a top priority for me. From there, I am working on the essays one school at a time. These are difficult, I have a different kind of time pressure here... no due date, just ASAP. I want to include enough information without repeating things from my first essay (the most difficult part) and without saying something unnecessary.

I'm getting focused on this. Things should move faster now that I have the first essay done. Time for bed since I just got a call that I am starting work earlier than planned.

It is ALL complete! My application was submitted Sunday. I recieved notification that AMCAS has processed my application. All of my recommendation letters are in and being submitted as we speak. Thank you to those who wrote them for me! I was editing that crazy essay until the minute before I submitted it. It was a relief to have it done, no more going back and editing little picky words. I am quite proud of it too, it really speaks to who I am. It is kind of weird letting someone read it because it seems so personal to me. I think it may be because I am not used to sharing information of who I am, and that really got there.

Another part of the process is my job. I now have patient experience. I see them, I perform a procedure (however simple it may be). I get to talk to them and see the other side of the workings of a laboratory. I am enjoying my new position! There are a few struggles here and there, patients who are tough pokes, and adjusting to a new schedule and new set of people. All in all things are going well. I am excited for the next part of the application process. I am really looking forward to the interview, I hope that I will be able to show my true colors there, and I know that this really is the career for me!

It is finally sunny out today, and warm enough to hang out outdoors. It is also NOT raining for the first time in a week. Portland has recieved 4 inches of rain in the month of June, so far. The rain never seems to end!

Essay time

I forgot how much an essay can be edited. I read it over and over until I have it memorized. Of course I have found several duplicated sentences. Maybe I have been working on it too long since they were almost word for word. I kept one of each and removed the duplicates, the admissions committees probably don't want to read the same thing over and over. I decided to send my essay to a professional editing service. This is worth too much to skimp on the essay. I still have the essay done to my best ability and have gone over it word by word with my boyfriend.

I am ready for this experience. (by the way, that is the key word in my essay) I am excited to move on to my next stage. I am ready for the road trip next summer after I quit my job. I can't wait to begin the school experience. I know it will be hard, but I am sure it will be worth it!

I am stuck waiting for the essay to be edited. I still have a bit more work on some details. I am hoping to turn the thing in by next week! Oh yeah! Time to celebrate with some wine and ice cream.

Uplifting Meetings

I went to a pre-med meeting this week, of course it was about the essay. I got a lot of advice and heard some very good essays written by others. I also got a confidence boost. Having experiences after college seems to enrich my story and give me more ammunition to fire at the committees. The best part is that everything I have done is genuine, and I feel good about where I have come from and where I am going.

I went to another meeting this morning at work. Grand Rounds, a talk about IBS by an MD. This was wonderful to compare with recent talks I have been to by an ND. I learned a lot from both, but I understand the MD reasoning better. I really appreciate the backing of studies behind statements. This talk hit close to home since I am so involved in the gluten free group. The talk got me excited about the path that I am embarking on. I found some time to write down more thoughts on my essay. I am constantly working on it or thinking about it. Luckilly, the thing is taking shape and is now ready for its many revisions.

So much excitement! Plus, this is my last week at my job! Change all around, and all positive!