Rodents in the Wall

The rodents in my apartment wall did not move out upon my arrival. They stirred most of the evening that first night--as did I. Not only did the thought of a varmint sleeping next to me deter my rest but the anxiety of the first day of the rest of my life kept my head spinning. Despite my weary eyes, I awoke bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready and expectant.

I drove to school somewhat disoriented and lost, not sure where to go exactly. As I parked and exited the poorly-lit parking garage I was even more lost than before. Then I looked up. And I saw it. The University of Texas at Houston Medical School. It was the first day of Kindergarten all over again. Everything seemed so big and exciting. This was it! Honestly, I was proud of myself for finding the correct facility amidst the concrete juggle of skyscrapers. I walked in with dignity, determined not to look lost in my new surroundings.

That façade quickly faded. But I blended in well with my 241 peers who also hadn’t the slightest clue either. Once we found our place, we were greeted by quite the array of prestigious guests who had come to welcome us to our journey--our rollercoaster of sorts. They reminded us of the great responsibilities, of the hardships, of the joys. More than anything, they exhorted us to never give up. One said, “You are here because someone saw something in you. You have been chosen to succeed.” Such powerful words of belief, of faith in me! I thought, “Wait a second! You don’t even know me. I’m only a child! Do you know what you’re saying about me? Me? Are you sure?!”

That evening a heavy weight was placed on my shoulders--that of the infamous white coat. I felt like a child playing dress up. Everything was so surreal. Again I thought, “Me?! A doctor?! Ha!”