tribute

NO more finals. No more school. NO more stress. No more long nights in class. No more early morning studying. NO more projects. No more teachers... until August
GOODBYE FIRST YEAR!

I feel so relieved. Finals went really well, and tomorrow I get to go and meet the new first year class! There is going to be a panel of three of the 2nd year students (I'm a second year! holy cow!) and we get to tell the first years all about the program and answer any questions they might have

I remember last year when I was a new first year that same orientation was the day before my wedding...
I remember being so nervous by the second years telling us:

"this program is the hardest thing you'll ever do" which is true, so far
"you will cry. don't worry, it WILL happen." and it did
"forget about the grades, they don't mean anything. You will get a B and you will be happy with it. Just worry about passing." I thought this was a load of crap. Of course grades matter! And they do, but in a program where you are just trying to stay in long enough to get to the Board exam, you have to let the grade go and realize it's ok just to pass.

What advice will I give?
I want to give the same advice that was given, but in a not-so-threatening way. I came away from that orientation scared out of my mind.
I also want to let them know how serious of a commitment they are making when they start the program. Their life will revolve around school for the next two years.
I'm going to tell them that they need to make sure that they have their life in order, because chaos will ensue if their life isn't orderly
i want them to know that THEY CAN DO IT! That's the one thing I wish I had heard at my orientation. Ya it's tough, ya it's going to kick your butt, but we did it!


I have learned so much this year about myself.
I learned that I can work quick under pressure,
but that I let the pressure overwhelm me and get me down
school is not about the grade but about doing your best!
I also learned that yucky stuff (school) is more bearable when you have fun along the way!
I have made life long friends
I have discovered that I am good at dental hygiene :)

GOSH! I still can't believe it's over! Longest school year of my life!

so anyway, are you tired of listening to my tribute to my first year?

Kristin