Graduation Ramblings

So, we're doctors finally. Jon and I graduated on Sunday in a surprisingly boring graduation ceremony. The graduation speaker was the Nobel Laureate from UMASS Worcester, Craig Mello. I have to say that speech was a little less interesting than I expected. He seems to be more of a "power-point-thesis-defense" kind of guy rather that a "thoughts-on-life" kind of guy. Anyways, thanks to our family members who came out and shared the day with us, despite the dreary cold weather.

The following reflections are entirely my own - obviously Jon's experience with Medical School and his path there were different than mine. I was overwhelmed when I thought about the number of people who have been guides and mentors to me on my way here - so many people helped me to be able to pursue this profession and i'm so thankful. This is going to be a long entry so either settle in or surf elsewhere......its refreshing to be able to reflect on my path without any residency program or reader in mind.

My dad certainly fostered my early interest in the natural world. He talked to me about all sorts of plants, birds and animals and I remember being surprised when I was little to find out that he was an engineer rather than a marine biologist or the like. In addition to this, he really taught me to be analytic in my thinking and ask both "why" and "how" about everything ( and I think this habit has started to annoy my husband.......)

My mom's contribution was totally different from my dad's (surprise surprise..) and I have her to thank for telling me I "didn't have a choice" about going back to college after Sydney was born - which sounded totally impossible to me at the time. When I later told her I was thinking about graduate school and then medical school she was the only one who, without flinching, said I should go. From as early as I can remember she has had total confidence in my abilities and completely supported my aspirations...something I didn't understand until I had a daughter.

I have to pause and thank Mike for being such and excellent dad to Sydney and supporter of my career. He's moved three times to remain close to Sydney while I pursued higher education. Not to mention all the times he's left work for sick child days or did more than his share of childcare because of an upcoming test or a night on call. I remember when Sydney was about two someone asked her what daddies and mommies do and she said, "Daddies rock babies to sleep and mommies do homework." The statement made me sad and happy at the same time. Besides fatherhood, Mike has been a great friend to me especially when the going was tough.

Now, college seems like a blur to me. I know caring for a baby and working so much made my experience unique. I'm so grateful that I got into pre-hospital emergency care during college. In addition to being a really convenient way to make money, it really planted the seed of a medical career in my mind. Also, if you are looking for interesting people hang out with EMTs sometime.

George Wade is an important person in my personal history. I think of my time in graduate school as being completely happy. I loved what I was doing for work and school - it was so intellectually satisfying and it was not so overwhelming that I didn't have energy left for my home life - in fact, in George's lab, we were expected to blur that line. Children were welcome in the lab and, reciprocally, science (and hamsters!) certainly followed me home. Beyond this, George went out of his way in several instances to ensure that I was accepted at UMASS Medical - although he did try to talk me out of Medicine!

Meeting Jon was certainly a distraction during medical school, but I think he's definitely made me a better doctor. NOT because we study together or work well together (we actually have totally different brains!) but because my life at home is richer with him in it.

Of course, to Sydney is where I must direct most of my gratitude. If she had not been such an innately kind, flexible and creative person we could not have taken this journey together. I used to tell myself that she would be "stronger" for having seen me pursue my own goals in life and to see me feel fulfilled by my career but I'm not so sure that's true. There were so many times that I felt revived and re-energized to come home to her. I've witnessed her displaying kindness towards others that makes me want to be a better person. She's also a total ham and keeps laughter in our home. Being a parent puts everything into perspective and that is such a gift. There were certainly times my classmates were "stressed" about something that seemed kind of silly in the bigger scheme and I think Sydney has helped keep me focused on that bigger scheme. Really, everyday of being Syd's mom is better than the one before.

Thanks, Syd, for being by my side all this time - you have become a really lovely person.

There is no feeling like doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing. I couldn't be happier - Thank You.