It’s New Year’s Eve, and I can’t help but reflect on my year and everything that has happened in that time. It’s amazing to think about where I was last January 1^st, and how different my perspective is now that I have lived through another trip around the sun. I don’t mean to brag, but I had a great year.

I finished my third year of medical school, and went out with Honors in several of my clerkships. It wasn’t easy, but I am proud of my resilience and my performance after everything I had been through earlier in my education. Fourth year has been even better so far, and I am continuing to learn every single day.

I moved into a nicer house in a nicer neighborhood, and met three wonderful roommates to live and laugh with. It’s a good thing I am a relative minimalist, because my room is pretty teeny, but it’s all I really need. Thanks to the friends that broke their backs moving my cheap self out of a third floor apartment and into a house on a hill, neither of which had elevators.

My little sister got married to the love of her life, and I got to participate in all the fun that comes with wedding season. I was luckily able to go to her bridal shower, bachelorette party, and the wedding itself, even if it meant a whirlwind 48 hour trip to get back to school in time.

I got to experience my first serious relationship. It didn’t work out in the end, but I am so grateful for the lessons I learned from my girlfriend. I am a better communicator now than I was before we met, and I know what it is like to stand by someone you care deeply about through the ups and downs of life. We are still friends, and I hope to continue to grow from having her in my life. Thank you, S.

I applied to, and interviewed with, a slew of pediatric residency programs. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried that no one would want me as a candidate, but that worry turned out to by needless. I received 13 interviews and have amazing choices to rank in February. I am still anxious for match day in March, but I know I will be exactly where I am meant to be.

I was blessed with coveted family time, getting back to New Jersey for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. I am so fortunate to have all of my grandparents, 12 aunts and uncles, and about a zillion cousins (with a few on the way!), and between the holidays and the wedding I got to see almost all of them. I hate being so far away for most of the year, but it does make the time I have with my loved ones all the more special.

As 2022 comes to a close, I am grateful looking back on all that has happened this year. There were good times and bad, but that will always be the case in life. I am getting closer and closer to my goal of being a physician, I have had new life experiences, and I have grown an incredible amount in 365 days. I look forward to all that 2023 holds, and I wish nothing but the best for my loved ones and all of you, friends. Happy New Year!