DOCTOR

Funny how one little word can change your life. On May 11, 2007 the word "doctor" was placed in front of my name, and the letters "D.O." after my name. This event has been something I've worked for the majority of my life and it is a surreal feeling to be "done."

I expected to be really emotional on graduation day, but the sheer hectic nature of the procession, taking pictures and smiling, trying to find your family, hunting your friends down took alot out of me. The emotions range from exhaustion, to loneliness, to excitement, to relief, to happiness, and finally fear. I didn't even have time to ponder any of that, or how my life would change in a month.

In a month some of my close friends will have moved far away to their respective residencies and I will be missing them at a crucial time in our lives. In a month I will have made new friends and will have to adapt to a new dynamic; feeling out personalities and figuring out how to work with new people. In a month I will have my own patients who look to me for guidance. In a month I will be responsible for other people's lives; making decisions about their futures when my own personal future is so uncertain. How scary is that?

But before all that could happen, I had to celebrate my accomplishements!! After the graduation ceremonies, I had a luncheon at Coco Palms in Pomona. The place is lovely, has a great view and an amazing buffet of Cuban food. After a quick 5 minute nap on the way back to my house and a wardrobe change, I headed off to a joint graduation party with 4 of my girlfriends from medical school.

The party was held at the Tedesco Residence, my friend Tenli's parent's house(thanks Lisa and Mark!). We had a taco bar which included pork, chicken and carne asada tacos, beans and rice and all the fixings. A margarita machine was spinning, the coolers were filled with Corona, Pacifico and Coors or was it Miller(I don't drink beer), AND huge bottles of red and white wine. The DJ played into the night and we danced until we were tired.

At the end of the night my girlfriends and I opened gifts that we had gotten for each other. It was a great way to end the night: with friends, memories and big hugs!

For pictures of events please click the links below:

Westernu DO 2007 Dinner Dance

Graduation Festivities

DO 2007 Slideshow courtesy of yours truly