Update

So, I have not written anything on my blog in far, far too long. I just wanted to write a brief update for those who are interested.

I wrap up my graduate degree this August. I'm really excited to be done. It's been a hard two years trying to balance full-time work with graduate school. But it's done. I will officially be a "Professional." WEIRD!!! I don't feel like one.

I'm also applying to Medical School for the Fall of 2008. This means that I have to take the dreaded MCAT again. Unfortunately these tests have short shelf lives, so my old one expired. I am taking it again on August 20th. Yes kids, that means I'm finishing school, working full time, and studying for the MCAT's. It is A LOT of work. I'm pulling like 12-14hr. days. But, it will all be worth it.

I'm nervous about going to Medical School (even more nervous about getting accepted). I'm applying all over the country. But my top three schools are Ben Gurion University in Israel- they specialize in International Medicine; good ol' CU in Denver-I'm applying to their MD/Ph.D program for Neuroscience; and lastly, UCLA or UCSD or UCSF- actually, I'd be happy with any California school. A part of me would like to move back out west after spending time toughening up in the Northeast ;) I'm also applying to schools in Oregon, Washington, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, and a couple other states that are probably forgettable anyway.

When I graduate from my MPH program in August, I'll have a year off before Medical School. So far, I'm planning on staying at Columbia doing research until February. Then I'm planning a trip to Jos, Nigeria with an organization called Faith Alive. They are a ministry that provides care for women with HIV/AIDS. I will be doing that for 3 months (if everything works out). Then I'll be back in the states for a few months before heading to Medical School...

I finally feel like things in my life are coming together. I just pray that God continues to bring them together. I'm excited to see where God takes me this next year of my life. So many things will be changing for me, and I cannot wait. Literally, I'm so freakin' excited.

That's my update folks. Would love to hear from any of y'all, even if it's just a hi! Hope all is well...

Comments

[Ryan Hsia]

Sup mang! Trip to Nigeria?! Sounds tabby, ya? You better tell me about it when you get back. I love hearing about different cultures. If I could kindly ask, would you kidnap me so I could go with you? Haha...that won't be necessary. But, please do liberate me before I scratch my head for days about the "free cat" sign my redneck neighbor put on his dead cat. (quite hilarious actually)

Hey, if you end up in either of the UC's, I'd be more than happy to meet you. If not, you have my best wishes whereever you end up. Don't know if I've told you this, but I plan to attend UC-Irvine and then UW-Seattle for grad.

And hey, I'm excited for life as well. God is just crazy...in a cool way.

Take care, Stephen.