Having finished a whole year of medical school, I am feeling a mix of emotions; fatigue is near the top of that list. This has been the longest year of school I've ever had - from the end of July straight through until early June. As I've told many family and friends, I love school and learning as much as the next guy (probably more than the next guy, truth be told) which is a big reason why I chose medicine as a career; I knew that I could handle the schoolwork and that I would make a good student. Even so, 10 months of school, especially at the pace of medical school, would tire anyone. I am extremely grateful for the 2 month summer vacation that we are offered; I am looking forward to working on several personal projects, as well as just having additional time to relax with family and friends.
Despite feeling worn out at the end of a long school year, I have been pleasantly surprised to find myself refreshed and renewed in purpose as I study medicine. I am realizing how much more bearable school is when seen through the lens of the end goal. Medicine is a career about helping others, and the world desperately needs good, loving doctors (and people in general). When my studies weigh me down, I think of the people that I will someday, hopefully, help to heal. This makes it easier to get through the long days. I am very excited to do some shadowing and volunteering this summer, which I hope will refresh me even more and remind me why I chose this profession. So for now, cheers to finishing a year of school!