Almost There

{as a not-so-stylish intern during a 30-hr night on-call} 

Rough day today.  Sometimes when I get a second to relax at work, I wonder where time has gone.  Four years of college, one year of academic research, four years of medical school, four years of residency training — 13 years of life devoted to a career.  Thirteen years of life spent accumulating knowledge and learning how to best care for others.  Thirteen years of life spent possibly neglecting loved ones, events, activities, experiences, and myself.  Balancing priorities in life is necessary, but definitely challenging.  Anybody who has mastered the art of balancing priorities receives my respect.  I’m slowly getting there…finally, after 11.25 years filled with sleepless nights, feelings of self-defeat, confidence-boosters, and affirmation that sacrifice is worth achieving the ultimate goal.  One year and eight months left until freedom.