My New "Toys"

My recent purchases
With the money I spent today on all my new "toys" (aka doctor stuff) I could have easily bought a plane ticket to make a trip back to Central America (which would probably be a lot more fun than poking people's knees with rubber hammers and sticking otoscopes in people's ears). At least now when I "play doctor" I have cool stuff to do it with. This week is flying by, and I'm loving every minute of it.
I was accepted into the rural program today which is the main reason I decided to come to ETSU. I'm really looking foward to it. There will be 7 other students at my site in Rogersville, TN. The program involves alot of hands-on, experiental learning with real patients and many components of public health such as community health presentations and research on health-related topics in the community. The site I will be working at has a large population of Hispanic migrant workers in the county next door so it looks like I will have the chance to practice my Spanish, not to mention that several of my classmates have done mission work in the Americas and some speak Spanish as well.
Speaking of my classmates, we're all starting to learn each other's names, etc.. Everyone is pretty nice (ok so I haven't met a mean person yet in Johnson City), and I'm looking foward to getting to know them over the next two years. Today's activities included team building exercises on ETSU's low ropes course. Though not quite as nice as UT's new facility, the rec. center here is by no means shabby or outdated, and I think I might have to take advantage of the free indoor and outdoor rockclimbing walls once a week to relieve a little post-study stress.

My white coat ceremony is Saturday. T-4days and counting until the real work begins.

Welcome to the World of Medicine

If everyday were filled with ice cream socials and cake at lunch, I think that med. school would be a breeze.  Today was the first day of introduction to the rest of my life, and I think I might just like it. 
There are sixty of us here in my class and diverse in our backgrounds as a Guatemalan skirt. 
I left college thinking I was pretty unique, smart, and old and have come to realize that I'm still young and inexperienced.  I haven't gotten my M.PH from Harvard, I haven't biked from Alaska to Mexico raising money for cancer children, I'm not married, engaged, or even have any pets (unless you count my Yuca cane plant).  These are just some of the things that are included in the bios of my peers.  Everyone I've met so far, including the faculty, has been really friendly and encouraging.  The next four years of my life (at least the next two) are going to be subject to the S word (studying), but at least I have good company for it.
I've learned that you pretty much have to give your entire life history to Johnson City before they will let you have water, electricity, or a phone. I have a phone number; I just can't use it yet until I get some silly form notarized and mailed to them. Speaking of...apparently I'm having to get a new cell phone too (something about not having my Sprint plan here in remote East Tennessee) so keep in touch with me so I can get you that number. I know, I'm really trying to run away from all you guys by changing my phone number, address, and soon, my email. Keep in touch, leave me a comment, and I hope to hear from you soon. I haven't (quite) dropped off the face of the planet!

My First Post

Hello Everyone!
 
Just wanted to let you know that I've finally caught on to this new technology so I won't be filling your box with mass emails anymore :o).  I think I'm finally about to end my living-in-a-suitcase-for-10 weeks madness today as I move back to Johnson City to start med. school.  It's been a crazy traveling summer and week especially (maybe I should consider truck driving as a career instead-I've definitely logged enough miles on my odometer), but definitely a summer filled with worthwhile experiences.  
God has definitely blessed me with knowing some wonderful people and having some amazing experiences.  I'm excited about the new chapter in my life that's about to begin, a little nervous too but I know that He's opened a ton of doors for me so far so what's a few more years of schooling? I just pray that I will keep my focus on my purpose for being here and that I won't get so involved in studying that I forget to be a light to those around me.
I guess that's about all for now. Maybe in a few days when I have access to the internet again I'll post some pics or something.  Always remember that through prayer, faith, and obedience, God has no limits. Take care and keep in touch!