Today is my last day of medical school. I’m thrilled, but I have to admit that it feels a little weird. I’ve been in school since I was 4 years old…do I know how NOT to be a student? I mean, yes, I guess I do, but I feel like I don’t have a ton of practice. However, med school has hammered into my head that doctors should be “lifelong learners,” so even if I’m not sitting in a classroom, I’ll definitely still be continuing my education. The other day a patient said to me excitedly, “I’m going into third grade next year!”  “Wow,” I replied, “that’s going to be awesome! What grade do you think I’m in?” She looked at me quizzically, before deciding on, “You must be in college?” “I’m even older than that.” I did the math in my head. “Oh my goodness I’m in 20^th grade by now!”

Being a student (still) at almost 28 years old is interesting. I have friends that have been working for 5+ years in their respective fields, and friends who are married with kids. Sometimes it’s hard not to feel like I’m behind somehow, like I haven’t “started my life” yet. Yet, when I really think about it, I question…what does “starting my life” even mean? I mean, technically my life started the day I entered the world (thanks mom). Since then, there have been countless new beginnings. My first day as a big sister. My first days of elementary, middle and high school. First period, first kiss, first time behind the wheel of a car. The first night living away from home. First day of med school, first time I put on a white doctor’s coat. With all of these “firsts” behind me, how can I possibly say that my life has yet to begin?

I like to think of my life as a novel, composed of many chapters. Plot lines start and come to a close, but they are all intertwined to make up my story. There have been some twists and turns, things even I didn’t see coming, but I like to think it’s a pretty good book so far. I’m getting ready to start writing a new chapter here soon, and to be honest, I’m not quite sure how it’ll go yet. The first time I introduce myself (for real) as DOCTOR Nikki will signify a new plot line in my life, a character development that I’ve been working on for a long time. I will be introducing new characters, describing new settings, and I’m just getting started. When all is said and done, I’m excited to look back and read it. I hope you are too.