Here we go again

One of my earliest memories is sitting on the floor in my public library. I was in the children's section, searching for a book on medicine. I explained what I was looking for to the librarian, but she kept directing me to silly "kids books" on topics like, "our changing bodies," and "Everybody Poops." In utter frustration, I gave up searching. There wasn't a single book in the children's section about how to deliver a baby or take out an appendix. That was what I wanted to know.

I've been fascinated with medicine for as long as I can remember. I was the perfect age to become enthralled with ER in the mid-nineties, and I've probably seen the entire series (all 15 seasons), 8 times. When I was in college, I remember a time when I was studying at a Starbucks and was watching medical students at the adjacent table. They looked terrible. They were clearly exhausted, stressed out, and overwhelmed with studying. I was jealous.

So, why didn't I become a doctor? The answer to that question is complicated. The semi-simple version is that I'm not good at math and science, I didn't want to pay for med school, I have multiple significant health issues, and I never thought I would need a career. (I was going to get married at 22, you see.) Ha!

I pursued education, and have been working in various aspects of higher education and teaching over the past 12 years. I have enjoyed certain aspects of each my jobs, but ultimately, the call of medicine has never left. When I lost my job last year, I made the decision to pursue a career in the medical field. Medical school was out for the before stated reasons, but I began to research other options in my area.

I landed on an LPN program at a trade school near my apartment. It's fast, affordable, and designed for adult learners. My first class, Medical Math, starts next week on Monday and Wednesday nights, followed in quick secession by anatomy and Physiology on Tuesday and Thursday nights. I've filled out my FAFSA, my anatomy flash cards arrived in the mail today, and I have dusted off my backpack from high school (no joke). What else could I possibly need to be successful?!

I'm inviting you to join me in my adventure in nursing. I will graduate in December of 2018, but of course, that will only be the beginning of this story. I tend to wish away the painful parts of life, and I want to cherish each stage of this journey. I want to learn to appreciate the steps and not just the end. I will need you to remind me to be content while I sacrifice family time to memorize all the bones in the body. I will need a pep talk before I start my first IV. I will need your prayers most of all. The studying, hard work, and concerns about finances weigh heavily on my heart. And yet, I can't wait to start on Monday. Welcome to my adventure!