Not Done Yet

As I was preparing to apply to this program, I remember reading through the previous class' blogs and seeing that all of them said their time came to an end quickly. Truthfully, I did not believe this was true...until it happened to me. Ten months have gone by faster than I could have ever anticipated, and now we are all back in transition mode again. While I am ecstatic to see what the future holds, New Orleans now holds a huge place in my heart and I am sad to leave. My time in this program has been transformative on so many levels, and I am a better person because of the people I have met and the experiences I have had here.

This month I volunteered at One Hope, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation "Take Steps" event, and Habitat for Humanity. With every blog I like to reflect on the lessons I have learned through serving, and again Habitat provided the most impactful lessons this month. If you look at the picture below you'll notice that we did quite a bit of work to lay the foundation. 

You will also notice that there is still quite a bit of work to be done before this house really starts to take form and become a home. Here are some key points I gathered as I reflected:

1. I found out that one of the houses will belong to someone I know in the community. When you are invested you will serve differently. Strive to get to know and understand the people you are serving.

2. There is never a point where we have truly arrived. This house still needs floors, walls, a roof, plumbing, and so many other things. And even when it is finished, renovations will be required to keep the house in peak shape. The improvement process is a lifetime commitment.

3. Though all of us are going our separate ways, the building will continue. The show will go on with or without us, and as a result we must learn to honor the opportunity to be a part of the process. Do your part and do it faithfully. 

The proverbial "house" I am building, namely the physician I will become, is far from complete. But one thing I do know, the Master of Pharmacology program has given me a firm foundation with endless building possibilities.

See you all in medical school, and thank you for reading.

Hours this Month: 20

Hours Completed this Semester: 35.5

Total Hours for the Year: 65.5