This year marked something of a surreal moment for me as it signified the end of school and finally, finally, the beginning of work. I'll be starting as a hospitalist PA in the new year and I could not be more excited and terrified. To appreciate all of the amazing and wonderful things that brought me to this moment, I will do my best to round up this past year.



Discounting the Ice Sculpture Show which technically occurred last December, I started the year off with the second half of my clinical rotations and the much beloved, Restaurant Week. It was a nice lead-up into February because I indulged in afternoon tea surrounded by friends for my birthday. Even tackled an escape room with them and Ben. I also concluded my thesis and was able to talk about it with a fair number of individuals.

I took the time to talk about each rotation as I completed it so no need to rehash it here. One thing I can say for sure, the rotations really solidified my interest in hospital medicine.




A welcome reprieve between my last two rotations was a trip to Florida to visit Universal Studios and Epcot. We had last visited the former about two years ago, letting my inner HP nerdiness run rampant, and we were both eager to reclaim some of that magic (hah). The veneer of wonder has yet to fade and I got to ride some of my favorite rides more than once. We were also much more discerning when it came to choosing what snacks to eat and what souvenirs to purchase. Funnily enough, Epcot was more of a last minute addition to the itinerary but it was our favorite leg of the trip. The trip around the world aspect of the park was so fascinating, stoking anew our desire to travel again. Our failed attempt at the food and drink challenge meant only that we would return again. Sometime next year perhaps?



The final months approaching my graduation date were something like a dream. Interspersed between the daily studying for my boards at different coffee shops and libraries, I was able to eke out a time to meet with friends for food, drinks, or comedy—sometimes all three. I was excited about the prospect of post-graduation plans, but I was also looking to the future with some trepidation. Here was something that I had hoped to reach for so long, though once I stood at the edge of it, I couldn't see what lay ahead. It was entirely new territory, no more teachers or classrooms. Certainly no weekly exams. It was new, scarily new.

In situations like this, I have a tendency to start planning and organizing. Trying to regain some measure of control so as to feel more balanced. As has been told to me before and relayed to others, I decided to take it a day at a time. I donned my robes, walked across the stage, and looked solely at packing for nearly three weeks in Europe with some of my friends.





Six cities in about three weeks... is a lot. I imagine my next Europe trip will involve at most only half the number of cities and more time spent relaxing and eating. Even with the sometimes hectic days of walking or no sleep, this second foray into Europe was incredibly memorable and the perfect reward to finishing school.

The rest of the year passed by a lot more sedately, but no less wonderfully. I added more books to my reading list while crossing off a few others, some gaming, lots of Netflix shows, a week trip in Austin, job interviews, job acceptances, and suddenly here we are. The last day of 2017.

In a matter of weeks, I'll be moving into my new apartment in preparation for starting my new job. It means a return back to the Lone Star State, reuniting with family, Ben, and old friends. I'm excited about decorating my own space and buying furniture that will last and caring about things like duvets, sectionals, and rugs. Beyond that, wrapping up hospital credentialing, saving up money, and... fill in the blank?

Tomorrow, the first day of 2018, will mark a year of many firsts for me. New place, new job, new experiences to be had. I also want to try and reconnect with as much old acquaintances as I can. So a little old mixed in with the new, huh? I think I can say I'm a little wiser than I was in 2017, and I hope that change can be apparent to those around me. I want the new year to be my best yet! Cheers!