Dear Self,
You are in the beginning stages of PA school. By the time you graduate, your thoughts and perceptions about the healthcare profession will likely be different. I want you to remember a few things while you're in the trenches.
Remember why you're here. You chose this profession because above all else, you want to serve the community. Because you value life and health, and want to instill those gifts in every single person.
You are here because you are a fixer and a doer. And a nerd. You want a career that perpetuates the servant heart of Christ.
Remember that you are not first. Put the Lord's teaching's first, people second, yourself third. Focus on this mantra every single day.
Remember your value on patient education and preventative medicine. Once you graduate, you will be able to teach and instill healthy principles in everyone. And even if only one person is compliant, that one person will teach their children, etc etc.
Remember the bond you felt as a patient with your favorite physicians. You loved her because she valued you as a person, accepted you wholly, provided education to assuage your fears. You still miss her, which is a testament to the endurance of the provider-patient relationship. She is a role model for you. Remember that eventually, you will create similar bonds with your patients.
Remember the times that you walked into valleys alongside a hurting family. Remember all of it, even the hard parts. And remember how desperately you wanted to be a part of something so hard, because even in the storm, there was companionship, trust, and hope. Remember that it was a bittersweet privilege to walk that cancer journey, and that you would do it again for anyone else.
Lastly, remember the sweetest baby you know. Remember that you are proving every day that hard work and perseverance have ultimate goals, even when they seem far away. You are proof of a passionate life that is dedicated to service.
You are here because you are a fixer and a doer. And a nerd. You want a career that perpetuates the servant heart of Christ.
Remember that you are not first. Put the Lord's teaching's first, people second, yourself third. Focus on this mantra every single day.
Remember your value on patient education and preventative medicine. Once you graduate, you will be able to teach and instill healthy principles in everyone. And even if only one person is compliant, that one person will teach their children, etc etc.
Remember the bond you felt as a patient with your favorite physicians. You loved her because she valued you as a person, accepted you wholly, provided education to assuage your fears. You still miss her, which is a testament to the endurance of the provider-patient relationship. She is a role model for you. Remember that eventually, you will create similar bonds with your patients.
Remember the times that you walked into valleys alongside a hurting family. Remember all of it, even the hard parts. And remember how desperately you wanted to be a part of something so hard, because even in the storm, there was companionship, trust, and hope. Remember that it was a bittersweet privilege to walk that cancer journey, and that you would do it again for anyone else.
Lastly, remember the sweetest baby you know. Remember that you are proving every day that hard work and perseverance have ultimate goals, even when they seem far away. You are proof of a passionate life that is dedicated to service.
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