“Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change -this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress.”
-Bruce Barton
2012 was a year of progress via trial and error. False starts, paralysis by analysis, cycles of worry and confidence, redo’s, letting go of what was not working to embrace was working- all marked 2012. But semi-masochistic discipline and dogged perseverance (or stupidity combined with stubbornness) got me through the year. Not only did I stick to my 2012 new year’s resolutions, but I also made great strides in the post-bacc pre-med trenches.
First, I finished my post-bacc pre-med program (an unofficial second bachelor’s degree), hip! Second, I took the MCAT and got a decent score on my first try, hip hip! Third, I started working as an emergency department scribe, hip hip hooray!
And the biggest accomplishment of 2012? Applying to medical school! Medical school, a youthful goal that I set aside and picked back up in adulthood, is no longer abstract and now tangibly within reach.
I started this blog last year with the goal to help other folks on the non-traditional path to medicine by sharing my post-bacc pre-med experiences and insights. 1 year later (happy 1 year anniversary!), my blog is still going strong and evolving as I tread further down the road to medicine and learn more about exciting developments and facets of social medicine.
Here are some blog highlights from last year:
1. 7 tips for ninja-ing the MCAT
Some thoughtful tips and giggles before I took the MCAT.
More pre-MCAT advice after I took the MCAT.
3. MCAT scores: Final thoughts and resources
Pre-MCAT resources and post-MCAT tips once my scores came back.
4. Writing a personal statement as a minority/disadvantaged medical school applicant
Solid advice from med students and former med admission committee readers that helped me to write a killer personal statement as a minority/disadvantaged applicant.
5. ‘The Waiting Room’ review: Tales of struggle and resilience at Highland General Hospital
My gleeful review as a dedicated volunteer in the ER depicted in this cinema verite-style film about the triumphs and failures of American health care.
With the close of 2012, I welcome 2013.
2013 new year’s kiss
non-traditional medical school applicant, filmmaker, anthropologist, and cat lover
Sounds like you had a good year.