Friday June 7, 2019.
One of the most memorable days of my life.
It took 4 years of my undergrad, three terrible attempts at the MCAT, approximately $300,000 of student loans, and 5 years of medical school to reach this pivotal moment. This was the day I was going to graduate medical school and officially become a doctor.
The president of our school gave us a small opening speech before the valedictorian and guest speaker presented theirs. The main point of his speech was the phrase, "The tassel is worth the hassle." I truly believed in this phrase because having my medical degree, walking across that stage, and reciting the Hippocratic Oath was worth all the blood, sweat, and tears.
Seeing my colleagues after 2 years was great since most of us see each other for a clinical rotation or two and then leave to another part of the country. It felt bittersweet since I made great relationships with these people whom I wouldn't see again for a while. However, I couldn't be more proud of each and every one of my colleagues who stepped across that stage once their name was called.
I'm so thankful to all my family, friends, and loved ones who have supported me throughout this process. I couldn't have made it without them. This degree is for my parents who gave everything for me to go to medical school, who worked endlessly to not only provide for me but for two other children in college. I do it all for them, and now I can finally feel that they are proud of me.
I'm thankful for all my friends who I've met in Antigua and as well as throughout rotations. We all suffered together but yet here we are - we made it! Good luck to everyone going into residency or applying to the next match. I know we will all become the great physicians we are meant to be!
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