I Prefer You Call Me Doctor (Almost Here!)

With graduation in less than a week (yikes!) I've been reflecting a lot on what it took to get to this point. It seems like my White Coat Ceremony was a GAZILLION years ago. In reality it was less than 3. It felt like such an accomplishment to get my coat. Since that day, everything else about pharmacy school seemed a little lackluster. I spent way too many nights crying because I didn't ace an exam or I felt too overwhelmed to go one more minute. I picked up an extracurricular here and a special project there. I drove to and from my house an hour each way every day for 2 whole years (no summer breaks people!). I worked an average of 14 hours per week (often times more) at Walmart first as a technician then an intern all during school. Very rarely was there any "free time" But that's how I roll and always have. I constantly stay busy. When P3 (our last year) rolled around, I was excited for rotations because that meant I got to cook real food when I got home and maybe watch some T.V. and maybe go fishing. That worked great for some rotations that were "easier" However I found myself swamped with rotation stuff too waking up at 4:30 AM and driving and hour and a half for 10 weeks for 2 of them (well worth it though). While this comes across as bragging or validating all of my hardships, that is exactly what I'm doing. But I'm not validating them to you... I'm validating them to myself because I've never quite been able to realize how much I've truly given up for my dream. 

Dad decided to cut his hair for the occasion

Mom being a pageant queen

I owe a lot of this success throughout life to 2 very special people (in no way are they the only ones responsible, but they played a HUGE role). My dad, while he has no clue what degree I'm even graduating with, he's been very supportive through everything I've done for school, including a study abroad trip and attending 2 big conferences in California and Nashville. When I was stressed out about everything I had to do - I called mom. When I was stressed out because I gained 15 pounds because all I did was sit and study all day - I called mom. When I needed her to update me on life outside of the confines of my classroom - I called mom. They have been so supportive through all of the ups and downs that is pharmacy school (or any professional program). My mom did all of this too while completing her LPN and RN degrees! I'm so proud of her.

There's another special person that was there that day I got my white coat. While we are no longer tied directly into each others lives, I feel that I owe him a huge thank you as well. Many nights he let me cry about complete nonsense. He helped me package lumps of coal in little baggies for a heritage event at the school. He let me commandeer the kitchen to make hundreds of appetizers for my fraternity rush party.  He attempted to help me study the non-English drugs of Oncology. And he would bring me snacks for a study break when he knew I'd been sitting in the chair way too long.
I appreciate the role he played in my life during that time and how he allowed me the freedom to pursue my dreams. Regretfully, we both had issues that prevented us from continuing on past October of my P3 year. However, I will never forget all the support and love that was bestowed during these very tough last 3 years.

Graduation is May 9th!!!!!! While it's scary (I hate change) I am excited that it's a finale to my life-long pursuit of formal education. I'm looking forward to where life takes me.

-Surie