...here we go!!

I made it!! Over the last two days, I have called three separate aircraft my own, travelled through three cities, spent the day relaxing by a pool, and am finally able to settle into an apartment in preparation of following my dream of becoming a physician. Unfortunately, the connection between Puerto Rico and Dominica did not bode well for my luggage as both of my suitcases were left behind on the tarmac. Needless to say, I'm living in the same outfit for as long as it takes for my luggage to get here. On a personal level; however, I have to say that flight boded extremely well. The majority of my fellow passengers were also first semester students eager to begin their education at Ross University. It was both reassuring and extremely motivating to engage with others who had the same desires and passions as I. Granted, our chosen vessel for arrival in Dominica was a twin-engine turboprop plane, so the chances of running into fellow students was quite high, but the opportunity to actually see and meet everybody was amazing. I honestly believe I will be able to form lasting friendships with many of these people.

My initial observations on the island are as follows:
- more beautiful than any picture or article can describe
- sincere and extremely helpful people
- "island time"
- drive on the wrong side of the road! :)
- paying electricity by pre-buying a certain amount at the store and entering a code into the meter in my apartment
.... more to come.


I am extremely excited and feel very fortunate to be here and take advantage of this opportunity. Based on the experience so far, it's going to be even better than I imagined, and it's still completely surreal. The feeling that I will wake up from a dream has still not left. For now, enjoy some pictures.

Layover in Miami

Our twin-engine turboprop chariot

Descent into Dominica

Final runway approach

Sunset from my balcony

(Expected) Changes of Living Abroad

While searching for a few resources for moving abroad online, I stumbled across a list on this blog. Reading through the "17 things that change forever when you live abroad" sparked an even bigger reflection on what actually constitutes a "life." For the last three years, I have acquired things and built my life around them. I have paintings, furniture, dishware, coffee mugs, bedsheets, towels, decorations, etc. that defined "my life." These items became a part of my "value." A direct reflection of my personality, of who I am as a person. Is that a bad thing? I don't believe so, no. I do; however, believe it to be a reflection of the type of life I anticipated living. An expectation that this "life" I was working to build would travel with me no matter where I went. Pack it up. Put it in a moving truck. Drive it to wherever my next destination happened to be. This, of course, was a narrow minded assumption that driving to my next home would be possible. Not to be overly critical of my thought process, but retrospectively, I wasn't actually thinking critically. Whether I attended an international medical school or not, my goals have always included moving for a period of time to a different country to practice medicine. What would I have done then? Likely reflected on this same idea in a different context, and with different tangibles. Now, all of these objects that I used to build my life are packed in a box and will remain in boxes for at least 15 months. My life and home are no longer defined by them. I will build a new life with new things nearly 3,000 miles away from the place I have always called home. This time; however, my emphasis will no longer be on those tangible commodities, but instead on the people I meet and the experiences I have.

To say that I am not afraid of how my perspectives and attitudes about life will change, or the fact that the lives of my friends and family will continue on as usual without me being here, would be a complete lie. On the other hand, knowing that this experience will open doors that I didn't even know existed, is one of the most exciting and liberating pieces of information I've personally uncovered in a long time.

Fears and Leaping

6 days. Not counting today, there are 6 full days that separate me from boarding a plane in Minneapolis and beginning the next phase of my life. At this point, ninety percent of the loose ends are tied; all of my necessary medical supplies are purchased, and are either safely in my possession or are in the process of being delivered to me. I have received confirmation of my apartment from my landlord, and requests for arrival information to ensure adequate transportation from the campus of Ross University to my apartment. Home. I have successfully registered for classes. Financial aid is accepted. The checkmarks on my “To-Do” list are nearly complete. It is a moment I have waited 25 years for, and to think it’s almost here is surreal.

Yesterday I was honored to have about 30 people, whom I am privileged to call my friends and family, stop by and wish me luck on my next adventure. Some brought cards and gifts. Others brought their new babies and dogs. Few; however, brought just themselves. We chatted, laughed, and in some cases cried for a short time. After everybody went their separate ways, returning to their own realities, it struck me how absolutely grateful I am for all of these people, and the impact they’ve all had on my life. In some cases, they’ve known me since the day I was born, while in others, just over two years. Despite these time differences, I have never felt so supported and loved. Without the encouragement, inspiration, and challenges presented throughout each of these individual relationships (and the relationships I have with others who were not able to attend yesterday for various reasons), my dream of becoming a doctor would not be possible. For that, I thank each and every one of you who has motivated, challenged, inspired, and most importantly believed in me to make this leap.

As I look forward to the next week of preparations, I anticipate this being my last reflection completed on United States soil; however, my experiences, insights, adventures, trials and tribulations, victories, and defeats will commence as soon as I can upon arriving in Dominica, and will continue on a weekly basis (hopefully more!). :)

For now, I leave you with this question: If you had the chance to overcome a personal fear, what would it be, and what doors of opportunity might open as a result?