I’m writing to you from my new apartment! Minus living essentials like floor lamps, a dining set, and anything to sit on or store clothes in, I guess you can say that I’m full-fledged adult now. I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve updated my blog with a personal post, but I especially wanted to reach out to my fellow medical students with this one.

I think I’m still having a hard time adjusting to M2 year. I’m still grappling with the notion that others look up to me as a role model and ask me for advice when I’m just trying to do the right thing for me. It’s scary, it’s intimidating, but it’s inevitable. The “sophomore” year of any point in your education is tough. You’re no longer the baby, but you’re also asked to grow up quickly.

We just finished the first week of our Gastroenterology block and I have to say I’m really starting to feel the fatigue. Cardio, Pulm, and Endocrine were whirlwinds and a weekend between blocks doesn’t feel like it’s enough. I’ve always prided myself on mindfulness and perspective, but even a good attitude can’t fully abate the absolute deluge of information that happens during the second year of medical school. I’m trying hard to practice self-care, but I think it’s common for life to take the backseat when you’re feeling overwhelmed. The day in, day out studying is monotonous and really does take a toll. Part of it is trying to balance passing school with preparing for our board exam, the Step 1. The stakes feel higher, the consequences more real. However, I do my best to take a step back and be grateful for my blessings.

I’m understanding why and how to manage patients at our student clinic. I’m better understanding why we’re putting them on certain medication regimens. I might not have it all down, but everything from history taking, to physical exam, to assessment and plan, I’m learning little by little. The imposter syndrome is still there somewhat, but I’ve come to accept that it’s a part of the journey.

My blog and Instagram have been doing really well for just a side hobby! I started this just as a journal and an outlet for my creativity and personal reflection, but it’s becoming so much more. Thank you to everyone who’s been following me along the way. It’s especially great to see fellow medical students, physicians, and other grad students trying to figure it all out as well.

To those in the trenches with me and those who are looking to start their journey: hang in there, I know it’ll be worth it. Even during my worst days, I don’t think there’s anything else I would rather be doing than what I’m doing now. Let’s go through this together.

– TS℞

Jacket: Club Room

Sweater: J. Crew

Jeans: Uniqlo

Chukka boots: Bass

Watch: JORD Wood Watches / Giveaway link 

This post was sponsored, in part, by JORD Wood Watches