Tomorrow feels big.
Tomorrow, I’ll step into my first exam room as a 3rd year PA student on clinical rotations. I’ll see my first patient who may be as nervous about their condition as I am about solving their puzzle. I’ll sit and listen, ask questions, examine their ears or eyes or hips or feet, and then smile and leave the room to get ready for the next step.
Tomorrow, all those powerpoints, lectures, practice exams, real exams, tears, late nights, early mornings, cups of coffee, prayers, and words of support come crashing together into a window of time where I’ll try to sort out all the pieces and find an answer.
Tomorrow, when I smile and leave the room, I’ll be frantically dashing to a book or computer to look for supporting information for what I’m thinking. I’ll put some notes on a piece of paper, and as calmly and collectedly as possible, I’ll present my findings to my preceptor hoping for a stamp of approval (while also wanting to learn and grow and see things from a new angle).
Tomorrow feels like the beginning. I’m so close to achieving this dream. (Oh praise God that I’ve not chased this dream alone.)
Tomorrow feels heady. We’re in the middle of a pandemic. I’m well aware of that.
Tomorrow feels exciting. I’m ready to interact with patients. I’m ready to start making a difference. I (think) I’m ready.
Thank you all for your prayers, love, and support. Guys, we’re so close.
