Preparation

I found out just a few days ago that I have been accepted to medical school...and I still can't quite believe it. For so many years, I have spent every second either studying, shadowing, volunteering, or researching in order to make myself a good applicant...and now, it's over. It's a wonderful feeling that I wouldn't trade. But, under all this joy is the now inescapable apprehension that I suppose inevitably comes with increased responsibility. I used to be afraid that I would never be a doctor...and now I'm afraid because I WILL be a doctor. It's ironic and understandable, I guess. But I've suddenly shifted mentally from college kid (responsible for my chemistry midterm) to medical student (responsible for the lives of strangers). What an incredible opportunity...and a humbling responsibility. Before, I thought of presenting myself well to medical schools. Now, what clouds my mind mostly is the thought that (with my acceptance) I've suddenly become an example--to other pre-meds, to my family and friends, and to my future patients. This is a fact that has not escaped me...and one that has impacted me in an unexpected way. I thought I knew what important preparation was: I spent weeks preparing for every exam in order to keep my GPA high, months getting to know physicians in the hope of helping with their research; years preparing for the MCAT. Now, however, I think that the most important preparation is totally different: that of a mind that's prepared to grow, learn, change, and care on an entirely new level. And, that of a life that is transparent and truly inspirational. It is in these ways that I now try and prepare myself.