I think it almost goes without saying that 2016 was, for many, a tumultuous and emotionally-charged year. A goal of mine for this year is to start being more thankful for and reflective on the good things– it’s so easy to get caught up in the negatives or get bogged down by one’s responsibilities. In light of this, I think it’s super important try and maintain a positive perspective on what makes life such an amazing journey. Here are some things for which I’m personally grateful this past year:

1. Family: I know for a fact that 2016 would have been more of a disaster had it not been for the amazing support of my family. They are my rocks and we’ve gotten much closer as I’ve gotten older. I cannot thank them enough for lifting me up and believing in me when I found it hard to believe in myself. Through every trip, interview, late night of studying, I always knew they were only a text or FaceTime call away. I love you, mom, dad, sisters, and little bro
2. Friends: Similarly, my friends have been absolutely amazing in their support– many of them have been with me since the beginning of college, and we’re all sort of on this journey together. My best friend started med school this past year and I really am in awe of her all the time! I don’t know where I would have been without her guidance through the crazy process of applying, for sure. Not only that, but it’s been great to watch more of my friends get closer to medical school (so many are applying this coming year– I’m rooting for you all! <3), and I truly feel blessed to be surrounded by such motivated, ambitious, and amazingly talented people. 2016 was also a year new friendships; the people I’ve met over the last few months have really become so important to me, and I’ll always be grateful to have had the ability to build these relationships in light of the whirlwind life has been. 🙂
   

   

   

   
3. Traveling: Since the end of high school I kind of put a halt to taking trips for the sake of doing “productive” things with my summers (i.e. research, internships, etc). This year I’ve done more flying and exploring new places than I think I ever have in my whole life! I went to the West Coast for the first time in April for fun, visited my family in Aruba after nearly a decade of not being able to see them, and just overall have gained an immense appreciation for all of the awesome cities right in my backyard. I’ve definitely acquired an itch for more adventures, so maybe I’ll be better about prioritizing my travels in the next few months…resources/time permitting (while I still have them!).
4. Dreams: The biggest thing I’m thankful for is getting into medical school! It’s been a literal dream of mine for at least over a decade, and honestly I don’t think it’s quite hit me yet that I’m going to be a doctor in the near(er) future. So many milestones were met in a short amount of time– I studied for/took the MCAT, applied, interviewed, and was accepted all  within a 6ish month span (after spending all of my college years and two years after just preparing to apply!). I’m very grateful for all of my experiences on my path to medical school and honestly wouldn’t have wanted it any other way, despite how impossible it felt at times. I know being a medical student (and eventually a doctor) won’t be easy, but I’m so excited to be pursuing this career and am eternally humbled to have even gotten this far. The times ahead are full of promise and I truly cannot wait to embark on this new chapter in my life.

Here’s to 2017 and making it another great year full of laughs, learning, gratitude and hard work! 🙂 Thanks for reading!