Insight.

Through this experience, I honestly did some soul searching nearly every week. I don't know if it was the fact that I was in such close proximity to my future career, my future life, but I just love every minute of being in hospitals.

One thing I learned about myself is that I will be a doctor someday. I mean, I know it is impossible and scary and never-ending, but it is the only thing I want to do with my life. Nobody could talk me out of this.

Another thing I learned about is my strong compassion for both the elderly and children. It seems to be the vulnerability aspect that really makes me feel the need to protect them from their illness, disease, dangers, etc. I know these age groups are at opposite ends of..life. So maybe this new knowledge about myself only makes it more confusing as to what area of medicine I am interested in.

I also learned that perhaps I am interested in areas of medicine that see recurring patients. I like the relationship you can build with a relationship, and I like that you can see the patient throughout their life. There is one little boy at Fairview that I have now known for almost a year. This, of course, is very sad that he has been in the hospital this long, but I do love that I have built a bit of a relationship with this boy.