Starting a New Chapter

THE WARM UP

As of writing this, I’ve officially quit my Medical Assistant job of 2 years.

The word “bittersweet” doesn’t do the feeling justice.

Not only am I excited to finally be starting PA school in a couple months, forwarding my journey to become a Licensed Physician Assistant, but I’m extremely sad to be leaving behind all of the invaluable relationships I’ve formed while working at the hospital.

But, it’s time’s like this that reminds me of a very important mental lesson:

Change is going to feel extremely uncomfortable, but this is usually a telltale sign that something even greater is about to unfold.

THE FIELD REPORT

My 2 years as a Medical Assistant came with many “ups” and many “downs” as well—but this is inevitable in any profession.

Yes, in health care patients can be grumpy, bosses can sometimes be perceived as “the enemy”, and the “system” of health care can seem just straight up unfair…

Not only this, but the long hours and constant anxiety outside of work added to the stress as well.

Juggling long work days with my personal routine of meal prepping, training, and spending time with loved ones added to the stress of these past 27 months, but with that said, there were many, many more positives to these past 27 months as well.

I’ve learned a plethora of life lessons and skills along the way.

I’ve learned how to speak to people professionally and efficiently. I learned new clinical skills, I sharpened my teamwork skills, and I learned an innumerable amount of knowledge on the world of orthopedics and medicine. 

Not only this, but I’ve made invaluable relationships and networking opportunities along the way.

In all, it’s safe to say the “ups” most assuredly outweighed the “downs” and I wouldn’t change a thing that happened over these past 2 years.

This life was my “normal”, post-undergrad, life and I was “comfortable” with the routine.

But in order to grow, one must turn a page and create a new “normal”. We need to feel uncomfortable and have adversity to grow.

Moving to a new city, adopting two cats with my girlfriend, and starting grad school has been a “whirlwind of new”, but this will become my new normal for the next couple years until the next chapter reveals itself.

THE COOL DOWN

In the end, I’m excited and nervous for this next chapter, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

If you get any lesson from this essay, please make it this:

We need adversity and uncomfortable circumstances in order to grow.

Do something that makes you feel nervous and unsure of the outcome. Take more risks.

Hell, I sure as hell need to adopt this advice.

And right now, that’s the way life looks for me, and it’s exhilarating.

Here’s to growing! 🌱

Be well & Keep Pluggin.

-C.