In the midst of the experience of a lifetime, living out my dream, I felt overwhelmed. There were times (quite a few, in fact) that I just wanted to give up. It would be so much easier to just work and not have to worry about papers, the 5:45am alarm clock, studying for next week's quiz and/or test, oh and trying to make sure that I didn't get too behind at the office. I would have all of the time in the world to spend with my friends, my boyfriend, maybe even take a trip up to visit my parents once a month, like I was used to doing.
But, any time that I felt like giving up, I always had a voice saying that I could do it, whether it was in the form of Post-It from Amy on my desk, or a flat out, "You cannot quit" from Justin or my mom. I even had Akbar, via Skype, telling me that he knew I could do it, I just had to believe in myself. In spite of it all, I somehow found the inner strength to take one more deep breath & to keep going.
I knew that the first semester wouldn't be easy, that it would take a lot of hard work and sacrifices, but I also knew that in the end, I would be proud of myself. In the past four months, I have gained more confidence than I have in the past 26 years. I have not only impressed myself, but apparently, I have impressed nurses (instructors, charge nurses & floor nurses) as well.
Honestly, I have not felt any greater joy than opening up that e-mail on Friday afternoon. I not only survived my first semester, but I did it with straight A's. No matter what happens, that is something that will never be taken away from me.
I have always been my worst critic. The tears that streamed down my face on Friday afternoon were from years of hard work & heartbreak. But, I did it. And I did it with a 4.0.
1 semester down, 3 to go.
