I am sure some of you are wondering what the title has to do with PA school. Hopefully, I can express my feelings well enough that will tie it all together.

Since PA school, I am amazed by the friendships I have lost but also gained. I had friends going into school that I figured would give me the most support-- only to find they really could care less. Or, they would say "well, I figured you were so busy that you wouldn't have time to talk." PA school is busy, but it doesn't mean I don't have time for friends or to sit down and talk. It's sad that friends disappear when you become busy with something like PA school. Do I like studying all the time..No. Do I have to study all the time? Yes. Is this a time where I need friends and support the most? It sure is.

My father and mother always said that I will go through life only being able to count my closest friends on one hand. I truly believe that. These are not just friends you can call up on a whim. But, friends that you can trust with out a doubt and who will be there for you through the good and bad times.

In November, I was going through some personal stuff in my life. I fortunately have made one good friend in my class who I can trust with out a doubt. You see, most of the people in my class are married or have significant others so they spend their time with their significant others. I was fortunate to have my friend by my side. She listened to me cry, listened to me complain, did her best to make me laugh and I am so thankful for her.

Lastly, I also have to thank my family. Family will always be there for you. Even when those friendships do dissolve. They have supported me through PA school every step of the way so far.

Wednesday the 16th was the end of my first semester. I can't believe it. The semester really did fly by. I stayed strong through the semester, but by the time finals week came around, I was just exhausted. Finals week we had 5 finals in three days. 2 on Monday, 1 on Tuesday, and 2 on Wednesday. The last few weeks of school were busy. I was studying for exams and also decided to participate in the Nutcracker. I didn't think I would be able to dance while I was in PA school, but I made the time to do it and I am happy that I did. It feels good just to get out on the stage and forget about anatomy and physiology for a while. Dancing in general just makes me happy.

Next semester consists of:

Pharmacology II
Medical Pathophysiology
Human Behavior and Psyche
Physical Diagnosis II
Surgical Principles
Genetics
Trilogy course which consists of OB-GYN, Geriatrics, and Peds

There are 16 weeks in the 2nd semester and 10 weeks in the summer semester. I know it is going to go by fast, but I am prepared for the road ahead of me. The 2nd years say the rotation year is much much better. I have enjoyed this semester...ok maybe not so much the 45 exams, but I have enjoyed learning a lot of it.

Right now we are on holiday break which we get 3 weeks total. It is a really nice break but I am already feeling anxious like I should be studying for something. I am trying not to think about it by just spending time with my family. My sister and her husband came down from Chicago with my two nephews. One nephew is 3 years old and the other just turned 3 months today. It is the first time I have met my youngest nephew who is such a sweetheart.

I hope everyone has a great holiday season and a merry christmas. Lets all remember what this holiday is about! Below is a picture of my baby nephew and me. :)