Meet My Greatest Motivation!

Meet my greatest motivation to finish this journey. He's the reason that i'm determined to persevere to the finish line. Nine years old and as tall as a short man that is 5ft.

 I snapped these pictures to capture this special moment before picture day.

Approaching A Med School Milestone Up Ahead!!!

Milestone up ahead! Getting closer to my goal one day at a time... Just trying to savor this moment in time without all the associated stresses of "Real Life" situations. As a Nontraditional student, mom and wife, I live a life that requires perseverance every day.  As usual this journey requires perseverance and focus.  Like every tough journey, only the strong survive!  Glad it's a marathon not a sprint!

Positioning myself to begin the application process. There are so many things to consider and of course it will also involve how to structure my personal statement. I am excited about this journey although is has been bitter sweet at the same time.  I have so many responsibilities that traditional students don't have to deal with.  The level of maturity gained in the real world has certainly enabled me to know how to maneuver through this maze. 

Maturity is an asset that comes with time and experience. It is definitely a treasure that I would not trade for anything.  It's value is a gift in its self. It enhances the confidence that I gained on this unpredictable and twisting ride.  Being a nontraditional premed student has been priceless in some ways. I also feel that it is a fringe benefit of perseverance and the offspring of maturity. 

Although I have been told time and time again that ADCOMS practice ageism and only value younger students. I have hope that my story is intriguing enough to get a spark of interest in my med school application.  Having said that I have done some research regarding both Osteopathic and Allopathic medical schools that may be non-trad friendly.  Not that they don't screen applicants thoroughly, but they see the applicant and application as a comprehensive package not a triad of fragmented pieces. GPA+MCAT+PERSONAL STATEMENT.   I believe that times have changed significantly enough that ADCOMS will also see the maturity of non-trad students as an asset.  

I have certainly heard that Osteopathic programs are more welcoming of non-trad students than Allopathic. I believe that there is a degree of truth to that statement. When I compare the personality types of the ADCOMS at both open houses, I have to agree that D.O. programs have a way of eliminating the component of arrogance and focusing on getting to know you. They also made me feel that they were not interested in being competitive in their instruction but producing the best physicians that they can produce.  Whereas the MD programs that I have visited presented a stark difference in their presentation and the applicant selection process. It seemed very subjective and focused almost entirely on your triad of fragmented pieces. i.e. - GPA+MCAT+PERSONAL STATEMENT.  

Time to get back to studying.. Just wanted to pop in and say that I SEE A MILESTONE UP AHEAD!!!! Until next time... PERSEVERE UNTIL ITS DONE!!!

So Close Yet a Dirty Fight to the End!

Hi all,

I really missed posting regularly on my blog.  Hope everyone is making sustained progress. 2014 presented many obstacles along this journey. Some things that I have never even encountered and others that are REGULAHZZZ... You know those same obstacles that never seem to jut stop trying to impede your progress.  Anyway it was definitely a mixture that I don't miss or desire to get reacquainted with.  

My current situation is to complete the last few classes and apply for 2016 admission.  In my heart of hearts I don't really feel prepared until 2017.  Also I really would rather wait until the 2017 app season to start applying.  At any rate, I will definitely be applying to one or both (lol) for admission.. It feels great to be close to my goal. I'm actually celebrating milestones along the way. I think that this is such a long journey that milestones are an absolute necessity.  In spite of a few set backs I am still trucking along.  My inspiration is truly from God. I feel his calming spirit when things get so heavy until its impossible to continue.  I would never have made it this far without his strength.  

So my plan has changed significantly since the last post about applying.  My plan is to apply to US schools first and let Caribbean Med School be a last option. So there it is. My change of heart is due to the reality of STUDENT LOANS AND FINANCING. I had to rethink it all. This journey is already a strain on my family now. I can't even  imaging a "no student loan option" not possible for us.  I know , I know, so many others are doing it but " IT MUST WORK FOR ME".  

What a difference a year makes!

Happy New Year everyone. I can't believe it's been a year since my last post. So much has happened in my life.  Major changes for the better. I am also very close to my goal of applying to med school.  I will officially begin the application process in 2015. I'll fill you in in another oost on my progress and the final route I decided to take. Whether US medical school or Caribbean.  Hope everyone is doing great especially my friends in Texas. ..lol..please update me. I miss you all and especially all the encouragement I've received here. You are all inspiration to my journey. .

The Caribbean Med School Option - LOOKING BETTER EVERYDAY...CUT OUT THE FAT.. SKIP THE 200K-300K DEBT.

Hi all,
I apologize for my silence.  I been away for a while.  Okay so her goes. I have been positioning myself for Med school. And by that I mean, taking the MCAT the summer of fall of 2014. When suddenly I got an idea. "I DON'T WANT TO TAKE THE MCAT".... I have so much going on that I just don't want to add the stress of MCAT and the U.S. Med School App process in the mix.  " I mean the" political U.S. Med School App process GAME!!!!!" I just want to cut out the fat.  I already know that I want to be a clinician and not do unnecessary research. NOT TO MENTION THE 300K IN DEBT.... NOT NICE.

So I came to the conclusion that maybe The Caribbean Med School Option is more my speed.  I need to speed up this process and not be dragging along as a Mom, Wife and Premed student forever!!!!! Also I don't feel like after all I've been through that I need to prove my passion for medicine to anyone.  I've made it through several tough and extreme trials and have persevered, and that's proof enough.  Why should the ADCOMM at any U.S. school have my destiny in thier hands.  I AM WIDE OPEN AT THIS POINT.

A good friend of mine has a PHD in chemistry and said suddenly while studying for the MCAT, I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS...And voila..... she is starting is part of the first incoming class of 2014 at a great Caribbean Med School in January.  I am so excited for her, that I feel like it's me.  I also know that "IT NEEDS TO WORK FOR YOU AS MUCH AS IT WORKS FOR THE SCHOOL". That is not always the case in the U.S.  I am not caught up in University Names and history.  Means nothing without the USMLE step 1 and 2 leveling ground.  Let's face it, it all comes down to one thing USMLE and that's all.

I am making all the contacts that I possibly can. I am interested in General Surgery - leading to a fellowship in Bariatric Surgery, Trauma Surgery or Emergency Medicine in that order.  My true passion is Bariatric Surgery or Trauma surgery.  With the burnout rates involved in Trauma Surgery, I would have a better quality of life in Bariatric Surgery.  I am intrigued at how they change the lives of people that are slowly dying from multiple illnesses related to obesity. So I recently connected with a Bariatric Surgeon and asked if i could shadow her and she said absolutely and I am so ELATED ABOUT THAT.... 

Well I have a very full schedule for the Spring of 2014 and am really glad that I am almost completed with my 1st goal.  Everyday getting closer and closer. No one would have been able to tell me that I would go through all the obstacles that I have encountered and had to maneuver to make this dream happen. I am glad that God has brought me this far and will take me all the way.  Only God can carry you over Mountains!!

Healthcare Desparities - KILLER OF YOUNG BLACK WOMEN!!!!

It is with great sadness that I remember my dear friend "pretty girl".  She was a person that was so dear to me and my husband.  We were mentors and helpers to her inside and outside of church.  I have known "pretty girl"" for at least 13 years.  She was a very sweet young woman.  As a victim of MISDIAGNOSED BREAST CANCER, she was cut down in her prime.  She was in her early fourties and a mother of a beautiful 10 year old daughter from Harlem, NY.  

It all started with a radio show in 2011 that taught her how to search for a lump in her breast.  She actually found a lump and that began the deadly downward spiral of MISDIAGNOSES. "Hi "pretty girl" what's going on"? "Oh girl I found a lump in my breast and I went to get a mamo and they said that it is a (readers brace yourself) a FIBROID IN MY BREAST". "oh no "pretty girl" , that doesn't sound right. I think you should get a 2nd opinion".  

Now "pretty girl" was a very bright and extremely kind person.  Her only crime was that she was a victim of poverty and had a history of "mental illness" and lived in the Ghetto.  What's even sadder is that she searched for a physician that would actually take on her case after the initial physician's MISDIAGNOSES.  He went on vacation after telling her that it WAS NOT CANCER.  After a 7-9 month delay getting treatment in the NYC metro area, because Dr's would not start chemo treatment, she found a Dr. that would treat her. She was a finally started on Chemotherapy and  by then a mastectomy was needed and done.  

Flash forward 6 months later, the CANCER RETURNS WITH A VENGENCE AND SHE IS WORSE THAN BEFORE...I metastisized to her bones and possibly lungs because of ongoing respiratory distress.  I saw her in April at church for a reunion service and noticed that she had lost a lot of weight and learned in August that she was in fact dying of breast cancer.  

The thing that was so crazy is that the cancer did not kill her it was Sepsis due to a recent nosocomial infection from a recent stay in the hospital for pneumonia. August 27th I spoke to her briefly and she said "I am sooooo extra weak". I said "go back to the hospital, do you think you still have pneumonia"?  "I don't know". "I can't even walk". Earlier that week we were trying to get her to the Cancer Centers of America in Phildelphia, but she was too ill to be moved.

I said, "I want to see you what is your new address?"  She said "No meet me at the hospital, I want you to come". "Okay I'm gonna get ready let me know whe you will leave or be on your way"  The next day she was put on a respirator after I called the nurse and demanded some treatment for her to breathe.  Just 14 days later "pretty girl" was gone.  

She was tired and she said to me the day before her last hospitalization that she has been sick a long time and it is only getting worse.  My heart is broken because I've read and watched several prominant stars and other races that get the best treatment for cancer that has been irradicated or gone into remission.  Another one of ours cut off because she was not important enough to treat because she was not important to America.

CAN YOU SAY DEAN'S LIST!!!!!!

Hope everyone enjoyed thier summmer!!!! Mine was rocky as usual.... trying to make a dollar out of 15cents..... I'm sure that sounds crazy to folks born after 1980.... ahaha... LOL.. Anyway.  Let's see where do I start. Oh I remember! CAN YOU SAY DEAN'S LIST?  ...... YAHOOOOOO!!!  " AND YES MR. SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE I WILL ACCEPT ALL OF THEM...." God has done it again folks... I am really blessed to be on the Dean's List after all of my hard work... at least it it recognized by "SOMEBODY"... Sheeesh.. 

My summer came and left. Not without  the tragic loss of my other grandmother. Thank God she is not suffering anymore. It was very difficult to watch her so ill for so long.  In the mean time I am getting ready for my (2)," I repeat" ONLY (2) classes.  I was in such a whirlwind this summmer that I had to get and extension for 3 sciences to complete them by this month and still registered for the fall. Nevertheless. I am dilligently job hunting.... I KNOW IT SOUNDS LIKE ALOT... "BECAUSE IT IS"..... 

We are planning a move out of state. I can't wait to be able to live better without the pressure of the inflated cost of living in the northeast.  I am excited about Med School in the Southeast even the possibility of a HBCU Medical School. THAT WOULD BE A DREAM... although my dream school is not an HBCU at all. I really agree with thier mantra for community medicine for the underserved.  Too far west though.... 

Well I better get to bed. We are taking my 7 year old... Soon to be 8 to Six Flags Great Adventures today for the last day of his summer vacation.  After Dorney Park last week.... I needed a week off to rest from the exhaustion of walking all over the place.... It was so crowded it felt like we parked in another state... I know it's crazy right?.... Alright folks.... good night for now...:)

BACK AND READY!!!!

Hi all,
Sorry for the delay.... Went through some crazy family trials. Family is first and you can't neglect the reality of this as a non-trad mom and wife.  Trials make you stronger and change is a blessing too.  Sometimes it's only your attitude that changes, nevertheless, it's CHANGE!!!

Well getting geared up to complete all of the part 2's this summer, A&PII, G-ChemII and Micro.  would have been done and taking Orgo II this semester, but had to withdraw last summer.  Anyhoooo! I am taking Orgo I and Physics II in the fall.  TALK ABOUT EXCITED.  THIS MEANS THAT I AM THAT MUCH CLOSER TO MY GOAL OF APPLYING TO MED SCHOOL IN 2014.... YAYYY!!!.  Of course my goal was to apply much sooner, but life just get's in the way or your plans.  I believe that God is the author and finisher of your plans..... Rather he gets into your plans and FINISHES THEM..... Right that's it!!.

I am really narrowing my search in terms of med schools.  Well I live in the north east.  No shortage there! But still, I am primarily considering schools that are family or non-trad friendly.... IF YOU DON'T VALUE ME, .... THEN I DON'T WANT YOU EITHER!!! LOL.... hahah.HELLOOOO.. Well afterall it is my destiny and I am in control of it not a school or it's reputation. Does nothing for me in the end. I just need that one break. Can only attend one school at a time.  I am even considering carribean schools, but the only problem is that my son is only seven and he needs his mama.  I would have to make a big adjustment and take him with me.... NOT!!!

Anyway, I was checking out some schools in the carribean and wandered across a intro commercial online and guess what?  I saw a friend that I just met 3 years earlier at a med school open house. Wow!!! it's a small world isn't it?  You never know... I mean never.  We she is a single mom and dared to persue her dreams of being a physician after her divorce.  I said "go head girl" I see you.... MOVE FORWARD MY SISTER!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!.  NO SHORTAGE HERE!!!! HAHA... Sorry for the venting.  What's crazy is that she was just telling me her situation and why she actually got divorced and why she tranferred from a previous carrib med school.  Then "BAMMMMM"  I see her in an online med school commercial... I'm not mad at yah!!!!. YAHOOOO!!! DO IT, DO IT , DO IT!!!.. By the way she works at the NIH... HELLOOOOO!!  GOD WILL OPEN UP A DOOR FOR YOU!!!!  BLESS YAH!!!

Gotta Keep Movin On! But if you knumb the.area first it.wont hurt as bad after!

I think that God helps you overcome pain and devastation sometimes by numbing the area. Grateful to the Lord for his love and guidance and healing virtue. Glad about this blog and you ladies....really helps to ease some of my burdens..... My Idea of perseverance is when you get hit with a shovel.... Scoop up the mess and attack with a machete.  That's what I will be doing to protect my goal of becoming an MD.....

On another note, I have a (B+) in Anatomy and Physiology down from an (A) average.  Even after all of the trauma and loss this year.  Nevertheless, I WILL MAKE IT THROUGH... GOD HAS BEEN SO MERCIFUL TO ME.  He really gave me favor with the right people.  Blessed me in the face of adversity. David said in " Psalm 23:5 (KJV) - Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. And now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies round about me." Selah! (peace)

God Has it All Worked Out For My Good! - Change is Good and Sometimes Better!

Well it has certainly been a while since I have literally had a moment to sit and write something in the way of progress.  I am back and in the swing of things! But with a twist! Had to transfer to another school but it is in my town and a better facility than I was already enrolled at.  Ahhhh such is life.  I was having a nasty financial aid problem at the other school, but God fixed all of that.  Sometimes it is JUST time to move on.

Well I'm still getting situated and feeling very excited and optimistic about my future..... Haven't been able to see it that way in light of the summer events that were so difficult that I was just feeling very stuck.. But as usual God has it all worked out for my Good.  Now back on to my schedule, I am juggling 4 classes. 2 of which are extensions due to extenuating circumstances.  I am determined with all of my might to pass them all.  Under a little pressure but I have my MOMENTUM BACK.... When I learned what momentum was in physics, I never wanted to lose it or forget it.  It is extremely valuable all the way through this journey....

I am really excited about Saturday because I will be attending a Minority Med School Recruitment Seminar at my number one choice school in the north east.  I'll fill you in about that later.

Well I am preparing to and determined to take the MCAT this summer before they change it.  I downloaded a review manual of the proposed changes and structure for 2015.  It actually doesn't look that bad at all.  I have always believed in not listening to the crowd and verify things for yourself.  Well off I go..... I need to pack up and drive home from the school library now.  It's late and I don't like to drive at night unnecessarily.  Take care all and thanks or your words of encouragement.. .... I'M STILL STANDING AND MOVING FORWARD!!!!!

SINCERELY
NJDR2B!!!!!!

POSITIVE PRESSURE BREATHING!!!!

Hi all,
Been away recuperating for a while.  Had to ONCE AGAIN...regroup. This is critical to keep the pace and momentum... While my husband and I have been battling some serious financial trials, (the fire has been turned up recently). I am still standing on the word of GOD THAT SAYS " HE WILL SUPPLY ALL OF YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES" through Christ Jesus.. Not my riches, but his....

Now moving on to better things. I have gone to a few open houses and am really excited about a few Medical Schools that I have visited recently.  Also there is one particular school that I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the Midwest.  But that may be a REAL DREAM because of Dear Hubby.  He is so stuck on the North East.... GRRRRRRR!!!! Anyway I will make it work anywhere I go.  Also I have been looking at homes in the vicinity of the Schools I have visited.

I am really packing it on this summer with 4 Science classes.  Yikes....I know but after the health scare that STRESS GAVE ME LAST SEMESTER I HAD TO DOUBLE UP ON CLASSES TO KEEP FROM FALLING TOO FAR BEHIND AND HAVING TO RECOVER FROM A MAJOR BLOW TO MY GPA, all because of STRESS.....I will make it through with much prayer.  I have found that ADVERSARIES jump out of the woodwork when you are PERSEVERING....Well gotta get back to studying..... I wish everyone the best and hope you have a great summer.... TRY TO ENJOY IT...

Oh I almost forgot, I just returned from Florida. My brother just graduated from Med School and is starting his Orthopedic Surgery residency in June... He was chosen among thousands and we are really excited for him....

FAST FORWARD TO REWIND!!!!!!!!

The closer I get to my goal the more I tend to press FAST FORWARD TO REWIND!!  Was recently having some symptoms attributed to exhaustion.  I am so glad that I listened to the Lord..... God sends warnings in a variety of ways to prevent BURN OUT, ILLNESS, DEATH.... I have been blessed to recover with my a renewed sense of STRUCTURE WITH DIRECTION. 

I realized a few things recently: 

• I'm not 25 anymore.
• I need to take breaks in between studying to minimize STRESS. (sometimes for at least a week)
• I need to do something that makes me happy and relaxed (starting Aqua-aerobics on Tuesday)
• I need to study daily for 2-3 hours per day maximum not 8-10 as usual.
• Not focus on a completion date because this journey is a long winding road that can only move one day at a time
• HAVE FUN DURING THE STRETCH...
• Separate from all NEGATIVE PEOPLE AND NEGATIVITY....

I will surmize to say that pressing fast forward always puts stress on the cassette tapes in the tape deck and will also do the same to my life.  So I relinquish all control over the timeline and completion date and follow the leader of my destiny!!!!

APPRECIATING THE PROGRESS ALONG THE WAY....

I have been away for a while because of the hectic stuff that life throws in the way when you are determined to persevere..... Hellooo. Can I get an AMEN SOMEBODY? Well as usual I will plow through this season with the help of the LORD..... He IS and HAS BEEN my rock through it all.  God helps me in so many ways I can't even count them. He is my whole life.  

I am excited about the steps that I am making in this journey.  I decided to rejoice and celebrate each milestone instead of looking at the whole picture and checking for progress because that can be very DIM.... Also I did get to see my brother who is also graduating in May from Med School. He was in my neck of the woods interviewing for an Orthopedic Surgery Residency.  Yayyy Brother Go Forward.  God really blessed him to have favor in alot of his interviews.

This semester of G-Chem, Anatomy and Physiology has its own challenges altogether.  Not so much difficulty but in volume. The G-chem calculations are what I am reeling over..... and Anatomy and Physiology is very simple compared to G-Bio and Bio-Chem.  I guess because it is very fundamental in it's overall concept and limitations.  However, I don't mind at all and besides it is a requirement for the 2nd degree in Respiratory Therapy that I am pursuing while preparing for the MCAT.  Just Organic Chem and I am all set.  Some folks have taken the MCAT without it but I'm not sure that is wise.  The MCAT has alot of O-Chem on it and besides that I don't want to rush through it.  My next goal is to take an immunology class also.  I don't want any shock once I get into Med School (this was also suggested by a friend that is graduating and starting a FPM residency in July.  Thank God for good friends along this journey.....

WE AIN'T CALLED NON-TRAD STUDENTS FOR NOUGHT

Well HAPPY NEW YEAR to all......belated of course.... I hope everyone has been having a great new year so far.  I am gearing up for G-Chem and Anatomy and Physiology 1. That's right going part time this term.  Still excited but a little burned out. It may not affect my schedule to apply to med school that bad but I NEED A SERIOUS BREAK.  Sometimes we take for granted that we need to rest and regroup.  All of the anxiety of last semester, in conjunction with REAL LIFE ISSUES (having a family and bills), can really wear on your ability to keep going full time without part time breaks in between.

And this summer I will be taking (by the grace of God) Anatomy and physiology 2 and Microbiology.  Why condense them you ask?  Why deviate from the pre-med track at all? Well my plan is to get a 2nd degree in Respiratory Therapy because:

1. I am so desperate to get back into the hospital doing meaningful work and get in some great patient interaction  along with the required MD shadowing for my Med School App.
2. I am interested in Pulmonary Medicine, Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine along with the desire to teach Academic Medicine.
3. I'm busting at the seams with previously acquired on-the-job-knowledge which says it all and that is a whole separate blog... (have worked in the Clinical Laboratory and been a Surgical Tech in the OR in a past life)

Let's just say "We AIN'T CALLED NON-TRAD students for nought..." Some of us have held 10 different jobs, changed careers out of necessity, changed majors a thousand times and all this while raising children and without a stitch of support from family at times...(most of the time). 


So it has been a wild roller coaster ride until this point.  From a scientific major and career focus to an abrupt change into Software Development Management and then into Corporate Recruiting.  So as you can see, I have never had the luxury of NOT WORKING.... Don't get me wrong Software Development was good for a while. I made alot of money in a very short time and the company perks were more than anyone could ask for.  Pre-911, making a 6-figure income was nothing.  Then the rest of us realized that there were enemies among us.  So then industry suffered and so did salaries and entire corporations downsized.  And once again it was time to regroup and re-strategize.  I have also had my own recruiting firm.  Still have it now but not active. So there it is in a nutshell.  My roller coaster ride called life....  Which is why my favorite scripture is Habakkuk 3.19 - He makes my feet like hinds feet and sets me on my high places...Thank God for resilience.....God bless all of your endeavors....

ANOTHER GREAT SEMESTER....GETTING CLOSER TO MY GOAL ONE SEMESTER AT A TIME!!!!

Thank God for another great semester of hard work and rewarded effort. I cannot believe its over. I am having a hard time adjusting to just a few hundred things to do without studying. Well not really. I do have some things to complete. I will be preparing for my next set of classes with (yep u guessed it) reviewing concepts and reading ahead of the class start date. Looking for A's if I can get them. Shooting for the top. Well I will only be taking 2 classes in the spring semester.  I have come to realize that ....drumroll please.....I am not as young as I used to be and with a family, there must be breaks in between from as fulltime schedule. Also with my other responsibilities, 2 classes are much easier to handle, even three but not 4 and higher. Too much with working in between and a family equals BURN-OUT.  NO MORE BURN OUT PLEASE!  Besides I'm sure my family would appreciate a happier, kinder, gentler me......

OKAY....NO MORE FRUSTRATED, ANGRY, OVERWHELMED MOMMY AND WIFE......I love them too much and they r important too. My 6 yr old will never be 6 again.  I don't want to miss any of that. I love my family and want it to work for all of us collectively.  I don't always have the support from DH but I also won't let him stop me either.  Alright I pray that everyone have a blessed holiday and restful, well deserved break.  Don't rush it....don't do anything of u don't have to......just do it later.....HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL IF I DON'T UPDATE AGAIN IN 2011.

HAS ANYONE SEEN MY VACATION AROUND HERE????

Not sure what is going on but I have been ready to finish the semester and get into real vacation mode..... Why you ask?  Well, I just want to get a good nap.  Nothing fancy just some sleep without all of the associated stress and anxiety of what I need to do next.  Major responsibilities of a household and family in conjunction with school are not easy to contend with unless there is a break in sight.  I decided to make a major change in what I will be doing leading up to med school app season for 2013/2014.   So glad to see the end of the semester near.  I am doing fine, just need to catch up a few assignments.  Next semester I will be busy until the beginning of August.  Wow.... But it is worth it.  I will reveal the rest of my plan for shadowing, direct patient interaction.  Getting prepared to take G-chem, A&P and Micro in the spring.  Why A&P you ask?  Well it is a requirement for my plan for direct patient interaction that starts in the fall.  It can be very daunting to not have any patient interaction until 3rd and 4th year rotations.  That's why I am so excited about my plan.  Stay tuned the reveal is soon to come......

Good Times: Keeping Your Head Above Water, Making a Wave When You Can!!!

Well the title says it all.  Remember Good Times? That sitcom from the 70's.  It was about a poor black family that faced many adversities while struggling to maintain a normal life in the Ghetto.  The funniest thing is that life is just that way.  While learning to pace myself, and keep from having anxiety   over small things, I have made some correlations to this reality.  While studying and overcoming setbacks, financial, household, parenting, marriage, etc. you will encounter times when you need to really persevere.  I have learned in this race, it is either do or die, pass or fail, flex your muscles or be taken down.  God is really my only provider and strength in this journey.  An he reminds me when I am preparing for an exam or when I am just covering tons of material because maybe I'm behind in my reading (which is most of the time).  The word are simple: CAST ALL OF YOUR CARES UPON ME BECAUSE I CARE FOR YOU....(1st peter; 5:7) And finally my favorite scripture: He makes my feet as hinds feet and sets me on my high places. (psalms 18:33)

MASTERING YOUR COMMITMENTS - FULL-TIME WORK AND SCHOOL!!!

Okay so I had to really prioritize my commitments....My goals are to complete my prereqs for Med School and earn money if possible along the way.  Here is the full-time job update......HAD TO LET IT GO......COMPLETELY EXHAUSTED AND WAS BEGINNING TO DEVELOP ANXIETY.  After careful consideration of the EXTREMELY BUSY RECRUITING CONTRACT that I was on.  I realized that I am better suited for a contract role that has breaks in between. i.e. - a 3 month assignment and pause to get another one.  I can hardly articulate what I want to say right now without the thoughts of EXTREME STRESS creeping on my mind.  PHEEEEWWWWW!!!!  Folks I was actually suffering anxiety attacks because of the (recaptured slave) mentality of the team that I was working with.  NEVER AGAIN...  I will work hard on my goals and God will supply our needs as he always does by faith.....  Right now school is the main career until a less stressful option appears.....  I will not be defeated.  I HAVE THE VICTORY, AND AM MORE THAN A CONQUEROR THROUGH JESUS CHRIST......

Strengthen the Weakest link - I.D.E.N.T.I.F.Y THE ROOT CAUSE

I am so glad that God has allowed me to identify the weakest link in my journey.  MATH!!!   When I was a child I used to love math until one day my growth was stunted by a negative statement or blow from a teacher of all people.

How many times have we been scarred in life and had no idea where the scar came from, when it originated or when the scar tissue formed at all.  Well, while doing some soul searching as I always do.  I was able to identify the weakest link in the pursuit of Med School acceptance.

Math problems have always caused me to cringe and feel immediate fear and anxiety because that little voice of discouragement that would creep back into my hearing.  Well being a Pastor's daughter, I decided to silence that hindering voice by confronting the areas that caused the most pain.  I have prayed and am led to do more math classes to combat those feelings of vulnerability and anxiety that has plagued my life for so long.  So now I have added another algebra class to my schedule this term.  When I do the 2nd half of (algebra based physics and G-chem) in the spring, I will not clam up like the first time.  I have learned that some of the things that you hated to do, you now rely on to make it to the next level.  Thank God for being on my side.  I am determined to make it....I'm praying for all of us to make it...

FALL 2011 - Excited and Ready!!!!!

Hi all,
Guess what..... I am soooo ready to take the plunge into Fall 2011 classes. 

• Get financial aid in place - check
• Register for classes - check
• Order books - check
• Excited about my progress - check
• Grateful to the Lord for his Mercy and Love during this journey - DOUBLE CHECK.....

Jobs update - God has blessed us again!!!! My husband and I have both started working.... Now I am in another league.  "The I work fulltime and am a fullltime student" league.  Folks I think that the key is to take 1 (one) science class (yep that's right) at a time when you are working fulltime.  It is better to do well than rush all the pre-reqs and do poorly.  I think I have the right concept in my mind now.

Well the summer is over and I am just putting the last few touches on getting my 5 (soon to be 6) year old's supplies in place.  That's right the dreaded supplies list.  WHAT IN THE WORLD IS A BOOK SOCK ANYWAY???? when I was little we called it a BROWN PAPER BOOK COVER.  I hated the one's that people bought from the store.  I could never get the folds to line up properly when covering the book.  I was secretly jealous of others that did it really well.  It was as if everyone else could do it but me .  It really needed instructions that began with (TAKE YOUR TIME AND YOU CAN DO IT).  This is how I feel about Pre-med prereq's for the "NON-TRADITIONAL WORKING OR UNEMPLOYEDM MARRIED OR SINGLE PARENT).  Our lives are so different. 

Well I am not working in the lab or anything medically oriented.  I am working in corporate america.  Yep you gotta do what you gotta do to feed your family.  In due season God will give me that research position that I desire.  (maybe I really don't).  Anyway, my true desire is to get through all of the sciences that I will be taking and take the MCAT asap after that.

To think that I was actually going to apply to 2013. That has now changed to 2014 or whenever God will bless me to finish the preliminaries (sciences - MCAT - LOR's etc.)  Sometimes I feel like a secret premed student TRAPPED IN CORPORATE AMERICA..... No one knows, No one there understands my true desire to be a physician,  No one would probably really be able to relate if told anyway.  That's why I am grateful for other NON-Trad friends that share the same DREAM.....Dream on future Doctors...... We will all make it with perseverance....