Even after being a 3rd-year medical student for over a month, I find it thrilling to be here. I overcame many challenges on my way here, and the challenges continue. Perhaps that’s a good thing because it means that there’s room to grow. I don’t know if there will ever be a point in my life when I feel like I’ve reached the end (except when it is the end, when Jesus comes back, hallelujah).
It’s currently week 5 of my first rotation, internal medicine. I’m here in Kettering, Ohio. I didn’t plan to be here, but it’s how the cards unfolded, and I’m going to make the most of my time here. Whenever we are in places where we don’t have all the usual amenities of life around us, it interestingly allows for the cultivation of novel ideas and unanticipated reflection. Lots of ideas floated around in my head today while walking for about an hour. That was when I figured I’d use this website more. During the first half of the walk, I listened to classical music, and during the second half, Divine Intervention (a medical podcast) and an Infectious Diseases audiobook. Oftentimes the best ideas come to us when we are bored. The problem is, we don’t let ourselves feel bored. We have ubiquitous anti-boredom pills in digital form available for stat consumption.
It’s the evening before my first day here, but I have already gathered from the surrounding area that this town is serene, almost too quiet for my liking. I’m going to embrace this quietude and experience it in its fullness.