Being a post-bac student comes with the perks of having many friends who are ahead of me on the path to medicine. On the rare occasions that I get to visit with these dear compatriots, it is tremendous and refreshing to be amongst others of like mind and similar passion. Moreover, in these precious times, they always seem to know the right questions to ask me. Specifically the question that I've been hearing most often from these premed/medical/postmed friends is, "are you getting burned out?"
"Am I getting burned out?" I ask myself. Well, no... I'm not getting burned out. This is not to say a day will not come when burn out strikes with vigor and abundance, but I'd have to say the following motivations are definitely pushing me in the proper direction.
Firstly it is a joy when I'm able to help any of my students here with their homework. There's just something indescribably pure about the look on a "tutee's" face when they finally understand a concept they've been wrestling. At such a prodigious institution these students are thrown scientific curveballs on a regular basis, and if I'm able to give some quality coaching it's been a great day.
Secondly I've been slowly reading the book Hope In Hell. This book gives a little insight to what it really means to be a "Doctor Without Borders." I'm not positive Doctors Without Borders is the service sector of medical practice for me, but the gritty realism of third world issues definitely captures the core of me.
Lastly I found great inspiration by the number of my students who donated to the Children's Miracle Network today! Granted IHOP delivered them free pancakes in exchange for a donation... Nonetheless, they chose to support a tremendous cause that I hope to one day be a bigger part of.
Currently standing strong and not burnt out yet. Bring on the next 7 hour study session!
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