Three for three

I realize that I need to post here more often. I will work on that, I have no excuses since the business of applying is over.

So, for the news... I got into all three schools that I interviewed at! I felt like I was too blunt in the last 2 interviews, but they still liked me. I guess they could tell that I was being truthful and that I am totally ready to go to medical school. So the big question remains, where will I go next year? I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to make a decision. I thought long and hard about the decision, made a pros and con list of the three schools. What really made the decision was my heart and my boyfriend being okay with it.

And Des Moines University, here I come! I already made the first payment to hold my seat, and I'm trying to get mentally ready for the weather. We will have a move next summer and a "small" trip before that. I plan to use this blog to keep everyone posted about our trip and the adventure of school following.

Thinking back

Right now, things are sailing along smoothly. I just got another interview to Western University of Health Sciences. At times, this seems like it is too easy. When I look back at the long hours, the frustration, and the worry, I realize that I sat everything up and this is just reaping the benefits.

At work I began reading a textbook on Histology and Cell Biology. Sometimes, I have lots of downtime at my new location. Just as I got to page 2, patients began coming in and they didn't stop. Yesterday turned out to be the busiest day ever for my lab! It is good that we are busy, but it was a bit crazy too. I am able to get most of the pokes, even on very tough patients. Of course, I still have a ways to go before I can say that I'm experienced and really good.

Fall is coming, and the rain is beginning. I think I am ready for it. A move to indoors tasks which means organizing and preparing to consolidate and move. Projects that I have left partly finished will get worked on… starting NOW!

ACCEPTED!!!

I got accepted to my first school! Of course that would be Des Moines University. The nagging thought in the back of an applicant's head is, "what if I don't get in anywhere"? I didn't have to wait long to get my answer. One interview and one acceptance under my belt! The most refreshing thought here is that I will eventually be a doctor! At least one school thinks I can make it!

It is still early in the process. I am still considering 3 more schools, all in the Pacific NW. I have an interview next week, and am double checking my other applications to make sure everything has been received. I just noticed that one school hadn't processed my reference letters. That would explain why I haven't heard anything from them in a while. Those double and triple checks are really important.

My plan from here is to interview at a school if I am invited. If I am accepted to any more, I will discuss it with my boyfriend and family. I know that location is very important, staying in the NW is the long term and short term goal. I also want to make sure that the school in the NW won't short me on a quality education. I have a strong feeling that this is possible, I can't wait for the schools to show me what they have to offer!

With this also comes the reality of medical school. It will be a difficult and long trip. Last week, at a pre-medical information meeting, several student doctors talked about their experience in their residencies. The reality of the second half of medical school really sunk in as they told their stories. That reality is: long weeks, always trying your best, almost always in a type of long job interview. I am nervous for this step, but I am sure that I have the support and determination to succeed here as well.

I am tough!!!

Knee Deep

I am going... going... ... to Des Moines, IA this week! Who in their right mind would be excited to go to Des Moines, but I am. I am excited about the school, their programs, and how smoothly things seem to run. I am excited to check out a new city, from what I read, it seems like an up and coming place. The other part is my interview, I have some idea of what it will be like, but a lot of unknowns - especially how I will be able to handle it. :)
I have my outfit, my shoes, I will have a new haircut. I am a new girl since recovering from at least 1, likely 2 bacterias that were attacking me last week. I do have to state how amazing antibiotics are - even though these days there are issues, how could we survive without them?

Maybe part of this excitement is that this is the first real step beyond the paperwork. I am getting closer to my goal. That short term goal is medical school, the long term goal is a life as a doctor in a small town. Having these amazing goals to work towards makes all the difficult paperwork and expense worth every minute. This really is happening!!!

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!).