With the first week of spring semester second year over with, I’m going to be very, very honest with you:
This semester scares me.
Countless metaphors could be used here! I am lost in the middle of nowhere, and the only way to civilization is to cross over a mountain. I’m probably being chased by a bear. Or, maybe the more appropriate metaphor is that I am a matador in the ring, and not just one, but several different bulls are coming at me. Maybe both are equally appropriate. Let’s go with that.
It just seems so daunting, here at the bottom of the mountain, being chased by a bear, while the bulls are charging towards me. You see, this spring semester is a doctor-making semester. Everything we have learned up to this point will suddenly be relevant. Think of it this way – in the past, professors would introduce a new topic. Often, they wouldn’t go into too much detail, stating that “Oh, you’ll learn more about
Y in your
X course later.” All of a sudden, now is that later!
In addition to that synthesis of what has already been learned, let’s not forget about all the new techniques and information. Throw in a very busy lab schedule to that concoction, stir in some pre-clinical checkouts, mix in chunks of extracurricular activities, and sprinkle with fun stuff here and there, and you have a very potent spring semester potion. It may have some side effects (fear, anxiety, sleep deprivation), but the results will be fantastic: entry into the promised land, clinic.
Yep, in just a few short months, my class and I will be seeing our first patients in clinic. I am quite excited about that prospect. After all, this is why we are here! I must admit, though, that it does scare me. Will I know everything I need to know? Will I survive this semester, this mountain climb, this bear chase, the bull rush?
No, and yes. The truth is that I will never know everything I need to know. That’s ok, because there’s always something to be learned. But, I will survive this semester. I will climb this mountain and punch that bear in the face. I will take those bulls by the horns, so to speak. Sure, it’ll be scary, and yes, I can’t promise that it will be pleasant always. But I know that the rewards will be great, and this semester is a very important step to take in becoming an optometrist
With all that said…bring it on! The climb begins, and clinic awaits!