N

I'm reeling

From this blow.

Stinging more than something physical ever could.

There's a first time for everything.

But this is a first that shouldn't happen.

One day, I'll be seen for me.

And not something I'm supposed to be.

In writing my secondary application to MCG, we were asked to describe what diversity means to you. What follows is a piece of writing that I am both very proud of and that also provides an accurate description of who I am:

I believe in celebrating differences. I believe that differences allow for a unique opportunity for learning and growth. However, for as much as we stand to gain from being different, there exists much adversity in being labeled so. During the past ten years, the number of Latin Americans in my hometown has increased exponentially. The influx has started changing the demographic in schools, the language on signs, and people’s attitudes towards those that are different. Instead of sympathizing with the largely negative views of the influx, I decided to use the opportunity to learn and grow. Upon entering university I resolved to double major in Genetics and Spanish. I chose to become more proficient in the Spanish language and more knowledgeable about the culture. Furthermore, I decided to become involved in the Latin American Community in Athens. I spent the past year volunteering with 5 and 6 year olds in an after school program called Early Readers First in which I taught the pre-Kindergarteners how to read and write in English. However, teaching English was only half the lesson. My fellow volunteers and I spoke Spanish to the children and strived to communicate that their native language was nothing to be embarrassed about or ashamed of using. Instead, it was something to celebrate. At first, they were reluctant to speak Spanish to me. However, after a time, they grew to know me and chose to speak to me in Spanish. To say that I only taught them would be a half-truth. Though they were a mere 5 years old, the amount that I learned from them was truly remarkable. Despite being from extremely low-income families, I learned how much love they had for their family members and, if given the right opportunity, how eager they were to learn.

My mother has worked as an Occupational Therapist for over 30 years. Often after she came home from work, my brothers and I would hear stories of the truly remarkable people she would meet as she helped them recover after a traumatic injury or disease process. Through her, I’ve seen the positive impact of working with people who are not the same as yourself. She taught me the value of seeing a person as a person, no matter what their race, sexual orientation, or culture as well as what one stands to gain to opening his heart or mind to the stories and knowledge of people of various socioeconomic backgrounds. My mother has been involved with various professors and individuals of the Medical College of Georgia School of Occupational Therapy. She has been a Clinical Instructor for Occupational Therapy student interns from the MCG School of Occupational Therapy as they begin their practical training. Through her volunteer work as President of the Georgia Occupational Therapy Association, she has worked closely with faculty members of the MCG School of Occupational Therapy.

It is these experiences that have ignited in me a passion to pursue a career in medicine. By involving myself with various communities, I have learned the positive impact that can be gained by experiencing and understanding diversity. The practice of Medicine has the power to reach everyone. I hope to be able to bring the benefits of quality medical care to those who are in need of it, and in the process, continue to learn and be humbled by the awesome diversity that exists in all parts of the world.

This Is Who I Am...at least i hope so

The formation is set. Cue the lights. I see ten thousand people cheering us on. I hear the first beat of the music. A year of practice leads up to this moment. This is what a National Championship feels like. Execution is critical. Timing is everything. I rely on my muscle memory and instincts to carry me through the routine. This is no time for nerves. I trust my teammates as we go through our routine, performing motions we’ve done every day for the past eight months. Today I am wearing the NCA National Championship Jacket, the most coveted prize in the sport of cheerleading. Grace under pressure brought the ultimate success and a dream was realized. Cheerleading has taught me how to trust others, remain calm under pressure, and the importance of commitment, three qualities that are critical to the practice of medicine.

The acquisition of knowledge and the passion to learn are two qualities that are inextricably linked to my personality. I believe the day we cease to learn is the day we stop progressing as a society. The impetus in my path towards practicing medicine directly results from the connection I share with the learning process and knowledge. I believe that in addition to providing service and contributing to a higher quality of living, doctors are charged with the duty to educate, facilitate understanding, and provide resolution to the patient regarding the practice of medicine. With the reduction of fears and mysteries of the public’s perception of disease, society can grow and progress, viewing the field of medicine as a friend rather than a foe. I hold the belief that with knowledge, people’s fears of a seemingly daunting disease can be assuaged.

Throughout the past four years, I have worked as both a Spanish translator and an academic tutor. My volunteer work has brought me into contact with children, adults, and peers, as well as many minority groups. Through these two jobs, I have learned to translate subject matter that is complex and confusing to some in to a simpler language. I view the practice of medicine as a process analogous to this. Often, patients may be confused or misunderstand what a doctor says. However, through doctors, the public can learn more about a disease and its symptoms, what it means to have a form of cancer, or how the body fights a certain pathogen. In addition, with the growing number of Spanish speaking immigrants coming to the United States, my knowledge of a second language will serve as an asset to the medical community.

While a passion for service and providing a higher quality of life are fundamental to the practice of medicine, a possession of the understanding of current state of medicine is also critical. My studies and research in the field of Genetics have brought a unique perspective on the direction medicine is likely to take. Through advances in DNA sequencing technology, the promise and realization of preventative medicine as the future of medicine will prove highly important in the coming years. My studies have allowed for an increased understanding of the coming change from reactive medicine to preventative medicine. For me, medicine heralds the perfect path to integrate my desires to contribute, remain involved in the field of science, and form important bridges with members of the community.

April 10

Sometimes

I ask myself if I'm good enough, strong enough, smart enough to do this.

And the doubt that my response leaves is so vast, its hard to ignore.

There can only be one answer,

that I am.

I have to believe it. It's my only

Hope.

I'll prove you wrong yet.

This goal is mine to achieve.

Five Down, Three to Go.

It's funny. In my experience, my Junior year has always been the most fun in a four year school experience. It was in high school and is proving to be the same in college. It's been a long time since my last post, however I shall try and come up with the highlights, and naturally some lowlights, of the semester.

If i could pick a word to describe this semester, it would be CHANGE.

New living situation, new room mates, new friends.

Living with Paul has probably been one of the best decisions I could have made for myself this year. It's finally put me out of my comfort zone and made me do things I wouldn't have otherwise done. I realized that I needed to take the initiative with my social life and be proactive with meeting new friends, or restoring old friendships. I think the thing that Paul and I bonded the most over is definitely our BRAVO tv time. Our tv literally never leaves that channel. Its kinda gotten to a point where both of us are weirded out if we turn on the tv and its not on Bravo. Paul also tolerates a lot of my shenanigans without saying much i.e. my clothes that sometimes take over EVERYWHERE. I think the thing i like about living with paul the most is that he knows exactly when to call me out and say: this is not okay. haha. I do sometimes wish that both of us were less busy and we could go out more, but i definitely value the time when we do get to hang out.

O my TEQUILA THURSDAYS. Where do i even begin. I think that T^2 definitely kept me sane this semester. From the very first thursday, a pact was made that myself along with Mal-pal, Greeeg, Smel, and Princess Sarah were going to become LEGENDz. I would say that it was a mild success. My tuesday thursday schedule was literally horrible; going out with these five kept me going throughout the day. I would have to say that we shut down dt every thursday and have some unforgettable memories from Yo Spicy, the 1979, scheezies, and of course mother fucking PJ!!!!!!!!!!! Mal-pal can explain more about her sleepover there if you ever get the privilege of meeting the Queen.

I think my biggest fear going into this semester was definitely my friends situation. After leaving a less than desirable living situation this past year, i was also leaving my three best friends. This past summer I had the time of my life with Nick, Michael, and Dave. I couldn't wait for it to continue into this semester. After a much successful first weekend party at the X, i thought everything was going well. Midway thru the semester however, i was involved in a very big mistake. And it cost me two very important friendships. I blame Nick more than myself, but I definitely knew better than to agree to what he asked of me that day. Losing Nick and Michael was one of the hardest things that has happened to me. To know that someone like Michael, who i admire beyond words, thought that i was one of the worst people alive hurt beyond measure. I kind of learned also that i didnt really mean all that much to Nick. Sometimes the truth is hard to learn, but its made me a much better person to finally realize that and move on and invest my time in friendships that will mean something to both parties involved. I'm still waiting for the day that Michael can finally forgive me and I can apologize for what i did. Having his frienship again would mean the world to me. As for Nick, i just don't know. I'm really trying to surround myself with positive people, and I'm still trying to decide if he is one of those people.

I think losing them made me rekindle some old friendships from high school. My friendships with Melanie, Becky, and Sarah have meant the world to me this semester. They were my partners in crime, from drinking and going out to having lazy days on the couch. They were there through all the bullshit with Nick as well as with the various boys that have frequented my life this semester. Through it all, they made me laugh and forget about my problems. Throughout this semester, I've started becoming better friends with Hattie. It was definitely unexpected, but I absolutely love hanging out with her. Our epic days are basically legendary by now. and i love that we've become friends. I think my most unexpected friendships, however, are a result of cheerleading. Elise and Troy have become some of my closest friends and i love spending time with them. I hate that they live so far away but when we hang out we make sure we are always a shitty mess and hating on other people :) hate hate hate hate hate, i don't care what these girls say.

As far as academia goes, I decided to take 17 hours this semester: GENE3000, VPHY3100, PHYS1112, SPAN4050, and SPAN4060. I absolutely loved being in VPHY. I finally felt like i was being taught relevant material to what i actually want to do. Not only that but i felt like they actually wanted us to succeed in our class, instead of tricking us on tests and trying to make us fail. I did surprisingly well in my arch-nemesis PHYSICS. But heyyy, im done with that shit forever. woot woot. I finished this semester with a 3.71 and an overall GPA of a 3.50. Needless to say i need to keep doing well and keep on getting my GPA up. I also set a finite date on the biggest day of my life so far. April 10, 2010. That would be the day that I'm taking the mcat. I'm not taking a class because they are so expensive. But as with other things, I'm determined to show everyone that just because you don't have money to pay for something doesnt mean you can't be successful in what you do.

As far as cheering goes, I decided to do Stingrays this year and am on RUST. Our music is the deal. And so is our squad. We already have our bid to worlds, and im hoping that this will be the year that i finally get that DALLAS jacket and that coveted RING from worlds. SHOW your friends your new BLING BLING.

I couldn't have asked for a better semester. and am thankful for everything that has happened. As with everything, i try and learn something from every experience that happens, be it a good one or bad one. Fall 2009 was on another level. Here's to 2010 being the best year of my life.

Love (that's whats really important),

Zic Zack

A Case of the Tuesdays

I actually hate Tuesdays. But today. I decided I wasn't going to.

After my midterm at 8 am and attending my ensuing spanish lit class, I decided to show Tuesday that i was gonna have a good day and allowed myself a lil break and skipped evolutionary biology for the day. So i scuttled home and cooked myself a nice lil lunch that consisted of mac and cheese and some coke. I returned to campus at one and worked for the next three hours. Work actually wasn't bad. And i left work feeling great. I even went on a run with Michael today and managed to keep up the whole time. Go me.

Since today was Tuesday, and It and I had recently thrown away our qualms with each other, I decided to do something out of the ordinary. At 5:00 I attended the Genetics Students Association. It was kinda like being a celebrity- they were so happy I was there. Everyone was super nice and asked me my name and what I was studying and such. I even was asked to run for Secretary and/or Philanthropy Chair of the club. ~schoooop. I felt super intellectual as I listened to the guest presenter discuss Transposable Elements and the ground breaking work she did with her co-workers who eventually won the nobel prize. heyyyy. The meeting was running a little long for my liking, but i managed to survive and make a few new friends. And i found a class to take next semester that will count as one of my intensive lab classes. Smel is enrolling in the class as well. So pumped.

It was fun playing pretend all afternoon, but lets be honest: Tuesday doesn't it like it when you think that It is actually a good day. I arrived at my car to find that Tuesday had left a nice little parking ticket on my car. I said, "Thanks Tuesday for letting me attend that GSA meeting for $40. It was really too kind of you." Tuesday then showed that it wasn't going down without a fight.

It meant business with Its next attack. It showed that It would stoop as low as allowing for someone to stand me up for a dinner date. Excyaauuse me? Tuesday clearly does -not- know who It is dealing with. It needs to learn that people need to get on my level and realize that when I ask someone to din din, they best not cancel half an hour before. KNOW YOUR GAME.

I called Smel and Princess for a pick me up. And as always, they came to the rescue. Love them. We decided to rage in the Sci Li and try and get things done. But Tuesday is trying to intervene yet again and rear its ugly head using voodoo and procrastination. don't fear however- the three of us plan to fight fire with fire. and our friend leroy will soon be our biggest ally.

So, Tuesday, you can suck it. You're no match for the Triple Team.

Z.

Untitled.

Silence.

Envelopes me.

Suffocates me.

Paralyzes me.

Numb. Raw. Alone.

The "old" him turns to him and says,

"That's not you."

And that, perhaps, is the worst

thing said so far.