Translated from Latin: I came, I saw, I conquered!

In other words, this is it folks! Even if I still have four finals left, and I’m still seeing patients in clinic including Wednesday, August the 15th–graduation is knocking at my door.

I guess this is the time where you look ahead and plan, but also look behind and unbelieving of all the things that we did in the last three years.

I’m not one for counting, but I can’t keep myself from staring at the mountains of handouts that I am now recycling: tons of books that I bought, all the supplies that I have already stocked in my home office soon to be moved to my “real” office, not to even mention all the trainings I took, all the patients I’ve seen and last but not least all the friendships I’ve made.

These past few days have been really packed! My financial counseling is done and I’m happy to say I actually feel ok about it. I was worried before, but then, having everything planned and starting my business as soon as possible made the worries disappear. I know most of students choose repayment based on income but I chose the graduate one meaning you start with a lower amount and then every two years there’s an increase in the monthly payment. That might not work for everyone, but I chose it based on my plans, and also because I don’t want to end up paying back way more which is the case when you go with the income based repayment. Also, my clinic exit interview is done and I’m one of the happy people that finished all the numbers and not having to worry about them. I am still seeing patients in the clinic, but I do feel more relaxed and enjoying these last days.

Even with all the finals happening I am taking my first board exam this week and another right after graduation. My plan is to finish Biomed Points and Foundations before the end of September and get my license so I can start working. The herbs exam seems more difficult for me, and I will take it later when I feel ready.

In between boards, I am flying to L.A. for training and, also to visit the campus where I plan to do my doctorate.

When all of the above is completed, I will finally be able to take a deep breath, get a flight back home to Romania, spend time with my family and friends, and allow my body to recover while I wait for my license.

I am already dreaming about not having to wake up at 5.30 a.m. so I can be in clinic at 7 a.m., eating healthier, exercising on a daily basis, yoga, meditating, and coming back to the clinic as a patient, not an intern.

Among myself and another 11 students soon to be graduates from both the MSOM and MSAc programs, the excitement is pretty big and every day we don’t miss any chance to celebrate either with donuts (lots of donuts!!!) or dinners and so, so many laughs!

If you are only starting here at NUHS, I wish you good luck and a bump-less road! If our paths have crossed during these past three years, I hope to see you at graduation and have time to give you a hug. If it happens you’re not around and I won’t get the chance to say good bye, I wish you all the luck in the world, and may all your dreams come true!