First term of Med School = Done!

What a whirlwind. To put it mildly.
It seems as if the last five months have both flown and crawled at the same time. So much newness and so much adapting, but also so much "just rightness" as well.

I arrived in St. George's, Grenada on August 6th, and was greeted by a warm, starry night, a VERY small dorm room, and a serving of nutmeg ice cream. Pluses and minuses - ups and downs - the themes that will likely carry me through this challenge that is med school.

Adjustments galore:
New people, new routines, new sounds and smells. In addition to tons of new information to assimilate, new food, new running routes, the tiny (TINY) room for two people who are both very much not in college anymore, no more US cell phone to keep up with friends at home, did I mention tons of new school-related information to wrap my "I've been out of college for 4 years" brain around? Right. That too.

How am I feeling now?
Grateful, amazed, and reflective.

I certainly felt a little isolated and removed from my "real" identity at times, but I can definitely say that I have met some more than incredible people and begun friendships that will be long-lasting due, in part, to our very unique circumstances.

I have met great talking and life-analyzing friends, many of whom I will live with in an amazing, large MANSION on the island when I fly back in a few weeks! I have gained so much new, and exciting, knowledge in a field that I am falling in love with. I have found a running niche, some awesome routes, and energetic, kind and inspiring running friends who have shown me some awesome adventures on the island, including a local half marathon (where I was beaten by a 12 year old girl running barefoot!).

I have learned, YET AGAIN, that we, humans, are quite adaptable and will continue to grow and develop and find bonds and comfort as long as we let ourselves try. I now sit at home in Waterbury for the holidays, in a weird limbo, thinking and talking with Abby about all the changes that make us who we are in life and the common themes that make us who we are. I will never do transitions gracefully, and I will never find saying good-bye easy. I will never "like" change per se, but I will probably always crave it and yearn for newness and excitement. I will always appreciate my home and parents and their thoughts about the world, but I will also always want more and to exceed expectations rather than meet them.

As I walk downstairs to have some dinner with Abby, my Mom and Donald, I know that I have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to think about that has changed over the past year. Whenever things get hard, I am going to try and remember some of the things that have gotten me through some tricky spots this past year and in general. First, every day is a new day and time and sleep fix much more than we might predict. Second, as long as we keep trying to change and appreciate the fluidity of life we will feel more peaceful and calm. Along with this, it is important to embrace rather than fight the lack of control that we actually have over our futures and the people around us if we are to really enjoy and experience both in a meaningful way. Also, once again I've learned that sweat, fresh air, dancing and music are essential medicines.