So after much anticipation, I just finished my FIRST day of school.  A far cry from my first day of kindergarten, yet I still feel too young and inexperienced for this to be happening.  I must tell you that I have never been more nervous for anything before in my life.  I had a restless night of sleep, full of strange dreams in which I was trying to figure out how to fit my lamps and end tables into my backpack. (Still unpacking, people!) Luckily, none of those things were required for my first day.  I did need my ATSU student ID badge, which I got yesterday.  My picture could NOT be more horrible.  I look a little drugged, and I’m not even looking at the camera.  And, of course, they slap the label “STUDENT DOCTOR” below it, and I have to wear this thing every day for the next two years!  Well, it’ll keep me humble anyway….

I must say that it was pretty intimidating to sit down in a room full of 172 strangers and look around at my classmates for the next four years.  I was thinking, These people are all going to be doctors!  I kept scanning the room looking for the jocks and sorority girls, and then I remembered, Yeah…there aren’t any of them in med school.  Just smart kids.  It really is intimidating.  Luckily, all of my classmates seem really down to earth, and are probably feeling the same things that I am.  I felt much better when the dean told us that we were selected out of 3,843 applicants.  Maybe I am supposed to be here.  It was really strange to have some of the speakers welcome us to the profession.  It all just feels very surreal.

I’ve got to say, though, that I’m glad today is over.  I’ve had years and years to build this day up in my mind, and I was way more nervous than I needed to be.  I’ve already met some really cool people who I’m excited to get to know better, and I’ve got one day under my belt.  It’s going to be a long four years, and I really am not sure if I’m ready, but, really…when are we ever ready for what life throws at us?