A year ago, I was one month out from my MCAT and terrified of not passing.

A year ago, I knew there were still many hurdles to be overcome in order to get into medical school, and was completely overwhelmed by the work ahead of me. I was so worried about my application, my grades, my scores…how would things all fall into place? Am I good enough to get into school? These anxiety-ridden thoughts plagued me for nearly an entire year, and with this cycle winding down I can finally breathe with a clarity I feel like I haven’t had since committing to pursue medicine.

In the last month I am so, so thankful to have gained admission to one of my top choices, and unbelievably excited to live somewhere completely new and train at an institution where, despite never having lived there, I already feel at home! I’ve never been more than two hours away from my hometown, and moving to the West Coast will be a hurdle all its own– but I’m ready for the challenge and am embracing this new beginning as the biggest opportunity of my life thus far.

I am absolutely humbled beyond words, and the future feels so bright.

To anyone out there who is about to step into 2016-me’s shoes and begin this leg of your pre-med journey, I wish all the best for you. Soon enough you’ll be on the other side– just keep it up and never give up on your goals. 🙂

See you soon, Los Angeles. 🙂