The Beginning...

The realization I've been accepted to medical school has still not completely set in.  The past few summers have been filled with anxiety and the doubtfulness that I would ever truly be accepted to medical school. This summer will be different: I can celebrate and sense the relief that I have accomplished one goal: acceptance.  Last summer was awful to say the least, all I did for the entire summer was study the MCAT which has been my mountain to climb. Prior to the Summer of 2010,  I had struggled and struggled with the infamous MCAT having taken the exam already 3 times and been unsuccessful 3 times.  In my mind, I had made this test into a monster. 

So for the Summer of 2010 it was a lonely one filled with Exam Kracker Books, audio osmosis, Kaplan flash cards, Princeton Review online exams, and some "chad videos".  I studied every single day for 8 hours a day for 3 months leading up to my July 31st exam date.  I had submitted my medical school application in the early part of July trusting I could finally conquer the MCAT on July 31st.  My MCAT score would be sent to all the schools I had applied to whether I did well on the exam or not...it was a leap of faith to submit my application not knowing what score would be sent to them after my test date.   Deep in my heart I knew this was my turn to do well, but at the same time I couldn't get my hopes up only to be let down....again.

It took 30 days to receive my score and when I got the score I knew it was better than my previous attempts but not the score I wanted.  I prayed it would be good enough for an interview....and it was!  Two weeks into September of 2010 I got an invitation to interview at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.  I was nervous to say the least...I went out and bought a $300 suit just to try to impress them the best I could.....(my mom would have preferred I got my suit at hudson's dirt cheap...yuck)

I interviewed on September 30th and upon reading my interview schedule I saw I was interviewing with the toughest interviewer at the school.  I was sweating....literally.  After an hour and a half of interviews, lunch, and a tour of the school I went home and waited. 

On October 15th I received an e-mail that said 'congratualtions' in the subject line.....which has brought me to this point.

Whether you are one of my sweet family members, a precious friend, or a former student of mine I hope you enjoy hearing about the joys, struggles, doubts, frustrations, and successes to come.  There is a great appreciation for each of you that encouraged and prayed for me over the past several years.  Each prayer and encouraging word allowed me to finally believe in myself.