My first year of grad school is over. In some ways it dragged on forever, and in others it went by in a flash. As I embark on my first of two summer internships, I have some time to sit and reflect on all of the experiences I have been through in the past nine months. When I arrived at school at the end of last August, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I went in with a sort of nervous anticipation, just sort of waiting for my life to change. Now, at the end of May, I can honestly say that my life really did change. I met some of the most amazing and brilliant people imaginable. I learned so much about the field of public health and the career I want to pursue. I survived a New England winter. I experienced the most incredible highs and also some extremely wretched lows. I was tested in every way possible. Sometimes I passed, quite a few times I failed, but regardless, I picked myself up every time, and I survived. When asked what I learned this year, I could tell you about all of the practical things, such as the principles of epidemiology, or biostatistics, or how to manage data using SAS. Those things are all important. However, as I reflect, it is not those classroom experiences that will define my time in grad school. Instead it is the knowledge that life is unfair and harsh and cruel and vibrant and beautiful all at the same time. What we are and who we are to become is a result of our individual journeys and includes not only the glory and the triumphs, but also the trials and tribulations. I end this school year knowing that the tools I have come away with should be used to help others, in whatever arena that may be. Just one person, with one idea, can have a huge impact on the entire world.
I am not the same person I was at this time last year. Can I say who I am now? Not exactly. I just know that I am poorer financially, but richer in knowledge and spirit and I wouldn’t change that for anything.
