Because I want this more than anything

As many of you know, I'm a single mother on my path toward becoming a physician. I am by no means a "perfect pre-med" and have faced many bumps along the road that have allowed me to grow and mature as a person throughout this journey. Recently, I met with one of the pre med advisors at my school and amidst our conversation he said to me, "How would you feel if your daughter was seen by a physician who was intellectually incapable." (Referring to me) 

Let's just pause right there, shall we? I was appalled. Speechless. I kept thinking to myself, did he really just say this? The inevitable challenges that arise as a single mother along with caring for my own mother who is ill caused a few hiccups in my GPA, but I'm finishing out my final year strong and doing my best to make myself a competitive applicant in the daunting admissions pool. I bit my tongue so hard I could taste the blood in my mouth which allowed me to refrain from saying anything I would regret. Instead I simply stood up and walked right out the door. 

I'm writing about this particular instance because I think it's so important for students to understand that THEY CAN DO IT. Do not let the naysayers dictate your path in following your dreams. There will always be people that try and bring you down and tell you it's impossible. It's important to keep your faith and trust that this is your calling. This is your passion. And you WILL succeed. (As long as you put fourth your best efforts of course.) 

I work hard because I have no infallible doubt that I am called to be a physician. I'm so passionate about medicine and learning everything there is to know about the human body. There are days when I find myself contemplating my capabilities and I become fearful of what could, or couldn't, happen. But then I remember that I need to give my worries to God and let Him handle the things that I have no control over. 

I'm entering my final semester of college and I couldn't be more thrilled. As I prepare for graduation and try on caps and gowns, there is finally that light at the end of the tunnel that people talk about but you don't believe it's real until your there. I'm trying not to let my case of Senioritis get the best of me. But I'm definitely more than ready for my undergraduate years to be over, diploma in hand. 

So for all you other pre meds and med students out there, keep following your path. Stay motivated. Stay healthy. Stay hungry. When I get my acceptance letter into medical school, I'll be sure and plaster it on that advisors wall as a friendly reminder that I AM CAPABLE. 

 

after school adventures

One of my favorite things to do after picking Charlee up from school is venture off to local coffee shops. As a single mother, I live off coffee. My blood type is java. It's something Charlee and I look forward to after a long days work. I think it's important to have special adventures with your children. Find that thing, that special little adventure that clicks between you and your child. I've find our thing. And that thing is coffee. Well in Charlee's case it's a cold glass of almond milk with a half pump of house made chocolate ganache. 

Coffee has been quite the hype these days. Who wouldn't gawk over those beautifully crafted hearts and rosettas poured over sweet, decadent espresso? If coffee isn't your thing, order a cup of tea, or grab that chocolate almond croissant you've been craving the past two weeks. Find an old board game or deck of cards to play with the kids. We all deserve a treat now and then. And what better way to celebrate? It gives us the perfect excuse to explore and find a cute place to fall in love with, indulge in a sweet treat, and spend the afternoon doing what we do best; motherhood. 

to simply say hello

So to start, I'm Caitlyn. I've been wanting to start a blog for quite some time now and I think it's safe to say that I'm finally ready. There are many things that I enjoy in this world. Im a lover of all things: medicine, science, literature, writing, baking, cooking, traveling, exploring, shopping, running, hiking, and adventure...oh, and I'm a future MD. Having a career path in medicine is a long and challenging journey. But ever since I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to be a doctor. I remember being 8 years old playing dress up in my moms white coat and using her stethoscope to give annual check ups to all my stuffed bear "patients". I wanted to be just like her. And now here I am, following my passion and living my purpose through medicine.  I am blessed beyond measure to have the support of my family who have held my hand every step of the way. 

And through the midst of this journey of mine, did I mention that I'm a mother? Motherhood is something that came into my life unexpectedly. It has become the ultimate adventure. Charlotte is her name- the one that stole my heart. Charlee, for short. And let me tell you, she brings me the utmost joy and contentment. The happy, joyous moments will inevitably bring obstacles but that's what motherhood is all about, right? Living and experiencing life through the eyes of our beautiful children, and teaching them how to live in our world. I'm hoping that you're here to stay as a write about my journey into medical school and motherhood. I'll be here to share my world with you.