MAY:FINAL COUNTDOWN

Hello hello hello!! Wassup?!! 
Omg, this feels sooooooo GOOOOOOOOOOOOODT! UGH! To be writing and reflecting! A month is such a long time y’all. I know I’ve I said that like every time, but that’s only because… IT’S TRUUUUUE! 

Anyways, where to begin? May was not the most exciting month, as it was the last month before test day, but it had its gems. I do want to go ahead and clarify that  this post will not include study scheduling or sources. I mentioned it in a past entry, but just to reiterate all of that info will be in its own separate post later!! So any med students/prospective med students keep your eyes peeled for that one! It’ll be here soon!

This post is more of an exhale. I have been under a rock, smothered in books and videos….. anxiously awaiting the USMLE Step One, my first board exam. That is freaking crazy!!!! Or it was… I’m not gonna lie, it may be over but it still feels insane, I just don’t have the weight on chest now lol. But May was intense.

Obviously 97% of that intensity was due to Step prep, but there was also some life balancing going on too. First thing, was the move! I was very very anxious about how to schedule in enough time to pack up my apartment without feeling like I was cheating on studying, lol. But it happened slowly, but surely. I was able to do a little here and there over the few weeks preceding my move in weekend to the new place. Although stressful, moving into the new place was such a good weekend. Not the heat or the heavy lifting, but the smell of a fresh space, homey ideas, and my parents were visiting so they could help me so that atmosphere of love was much needed. I think I was either exactly 4 weeks or maybe 3 weeks out from my exam at that point so each day was really packing the pressure. That weekend, I felt peace, I felt light, and I still managed to get some studying and a practice exam in.

About a week or so later, it was finally time for me to take a drive down to Palo Duro Canyon (for the first time smh)… but not to hike. This trip was to see the first of our Tank #25 family get married!!! The weather was stormy but driving into the canyon like waaaaayy down into it, already had me feeling excited and calm at the same time. That afternoon, we [tank #25] witnessed our Reid marry his love, and it was the most beautiful thing. For some reason when going into medical school, the idea of attending a classmate’s wedding did not occur to me. That day, sitting there though, I felt so fortunate to witness their union. I also felt like it was such a great point to be so immersed in faith and the recognition of God’s love and presence, all while surrounded by nature too! I needed that more than I knew, and it couldn’t have been better timing. Not to mention, how sweet the whole event was, and getting to share it with out little med family.

Outside of those two lovely weekends, May truly was like isolation nation, blinders on, eyes on the prize, under pressure *David Bowie/Queen vibes. May had some sweet moments but it was not a joke nor a game for ya girl. And yes I know my exam was in June, so this “May” recap includes every day of May  proper and those leading up to the big day. And speaking of those few days in between, my bestie, the homie Tay knocked her board exam out a couple days before me, and being in this journey with her is so special and perfect and necessary. It’s seriously such a blessing to chop it up with her about these school moments and our experience. So proud of her, and proud of my bubba too, as he approaches his board exam later this summer.
It’s weird being on the other side of such a crucial exam… Spending so much time on a particular focus and then just like that being able to breathe, SLEEP, WRITE, have a break… It’s like what to do now??

I don’t have any plans… but I’m okay with that. No matter what, I know I’ll enjoy these next couple weeks of freedom. Because once they’re over…

the real work begins.
 
 
Thanks for sticking out the long wait and road to the much anticipated exam! Thanks for the support, for reading, praying, sending vibes, commenting on #challenge post, even if you just had a positive thought. I appreciate you, friend!

xxO,

The Third Voice