Med School Update

I figured I'd get around to the big announcement sooner or later, and I guess it was later ...

Yes, I have been accepted to medical school -- in California!!! Getting that acceptance was the oddest emotional experience of my life. I first burst into tears, then called the wife and baby sistah, who were enjoying a bike ride along Playa del Rey beach. I'm sure their screaming alarmed quite a few sunbathers. I then called my dad, who got choked up and promised to tell my mother, who was sadly, at the dentist. Next was my best bud, Robyn -- instead of our usual text messaging, I resorted to calling her at work because I couldn't type on the tiny Treo keypad because I was shaking. After that I kind of went numb from the shock. But it is still an amazing feeling -- even today.

Although this is what I have been preparing for/talking about over the past 6 years, leaving here was still an emotionally difficult decision to make. While I am thrilled beyond belief to be a doctor, and excited about my future and doing something I have dreamed about my entire life, I will be leaving behind many important people -- family and friends -- my pets, my home and a job I really love. And literally starting over.

I have to say, getting into medical school has truly been a group effort. There is no way on earth I would have been able to do this on my own. In a way, I feel like my role was the easiest: sit in a room and read about things that interest me for hours on end, fill in tiny bubbles, and fall asleep with my head on my desk while friends and family pitched in their blood, sweat and tears by emotionally and spiritually (hey, maybe those votive candles work - what do I know!) helping me (sometimes literally even steering me) down this path.

I am eternally grateful for all the cards, emails, words of encouragement, sanity checks, hugs, pats on the back, cups of coffee, bitch-and-moan sessions where I was the sole bitcher and moaner, and outright love and support that have been given to me over the past 6 years, especially the last 2 which were the most difficult and trying.

Just saying thank you will never be enough. The following people have made my seemingly impossible dream a reality, and I owe my success to all of you.

Deb: I don't don't know where to even begin -- thank you for everything. My medical degree will be as much your's as mine. Your sacrifices for me over the past 6 years have gone above and beyond what a spouse should make, your love and encouragement got me through the most difficult of times, and I can only hope I make you as proud of me as I am of you. (That, and a rich, martini-by-the-pool-drinking wife of a doctor soon!) I love you.

Mom & Dad: for the genes, constant encouragement, love and support, not letting me go to UCLA and thus making me a bitter-yet-determined woman hell bent on getting my butt across the country, and never telling me it was a bad idea.

Karen & Pete: for the love, support, advice, humor, horoscopes, In n'Out burgers, airport pick-ups, the use of your couch (several times) and making me understand it really was all about the journey. I can't wait to be near you two again!! 2-family duplex... 2-fmaily duplex...

Robyn: I am sure your ears are beyond numb, and your brain is oversaturated with more knowledge of the whole med school application process than you signed up for. But your friendship, constant encouragement, words of wisdom, sense of humor, loyalty and advice mean more to me than you will ever know. Your courage and determination (despite your insistence on perfecting the art of mediocrity!) have been an inspiration to me - and for that I thank you.

Jack and Miki: For the gazillion sanity-restoring trips to the Cape, the best pizza on the planet, for being the older siblings I never had, and for showing me how to "get it" and enjoy life the right way. For the laughs, the trips, the tears, and for sharing your family, which I happily and proudly consider my own.

Heather, Nanette, and Chrissy: For never, ever, telling me this was a bad idea, defending me to the doubters and the mold spores, for the coffee, wine, and for keeping me well fed, smiling and out of trouble.

The rest of the cast and crew deserve much more than a mention, but I only have 12 more weeks until I begin school and this can take all night! With that - the credits (not in order of appearance):

My family
Cody, AJ, Elmo: for the 4am puking the night before my exams, stepping on the alarm clock and changing the time so I overslept, stealing the blankets ... and keeping me company throughout the whole damn process. It's going to kill me to leave them behind temporarily -- even Elmo, the bald bastard that he is.
Keith, my advisor
Frank, my mentor
Nancy M, for making me realize I'm not the one who is crazy - it's you!
Danielle, for the giant hugs, cigars, and showing me what it means to be brave
Maryanne & Chiz, for 50 years of combined friendship and encouragement
Candace, for keeping quiet about everything ;) and your cousin in line
Aubri, a big thank you for all your help
Eric, for making me see the humor in it all over the years
And to everyone else who has been there - thank you!

Posted by LA at April 29, 2005 08:23 PM