SOL: Stanzas of Life

I started medical school last June at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, RVUCOM! I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and honored to be a student doctor pursing my dream of caring for the next patient. Medical school has been a whirlwind of emotions, humbling patient encounters, and insightful discussions regarding medical ethics. Continue reading

My interest in medical education began in high school. I was afforded the opportunity to attend the Inland Seas Education Association Great Lakes Discovery Camp (Boy’s Science edition). It was a 3-day trip on the 77-foot schooner Inland Seas collecting fish, plankton, and organisms from the bottom of the lake. I was fascinated to discover an Continue reading

As I concluded my undergraduate studies at Saint Louis University this past May, I have entered the “real-world” arena. Confronted with adult decisions, challenged at-home living in unison with my parents, and faced with bioethical considerations while at work in early therapeutic Phase 1 clinical trials, I have learned to adapt to chaos. As a Continue reading

After the New Year began, I was inspired to make a podcast based on this blog’s content. It was one of my New Year’s resolutions, yet the school semester forced me to place the podcast on hold. As a recent graduate, I will have more time to commit to this podcast! This podcast has been Continue reading

This will serve as the second post in a series of letters to my loved ones. To my grandmothers: Joyce, Phyllis, and Veronica, Thank you. I find comfort when I’m around you. Our moments together are often filled with laughter. From baking to painting together, my culinary and artistic palette have broadened. You have challenged Continue reading

This stanza will be unlike any other that I have previously written. No alliteration, corny puns, or technical terminology. I have officially entered the era of adulthood as a 21-year-old. With more responsibility comes more gratitude. This post and the next will share my personal reflection on the impact my grandparents have had on my Continue reading

You may recall “Stanza 10: Reflection,” which describes the overall purpose of this blog. Reflection is at the core of perception, and perception is predictive hypothesizing. One must act with reason and see the world through various perspectives. In order to observe the world around, you must interpret it. Reflection, perception, and interpretation are essential Continue reading

In the midst of a global pandemic, racial injustice has arose to claim the spotlight. After the death of George Floyd, we are witnessing an international movement over police brutality and racial targeting within our national police force. Under the First Amendment, American citizens are protected and allowed freedom of speech, assembly, press, and the Continue reading

Here are a few analogies of life, love, and laughter that I have personally crafted, inspired by various authors, poets, and speakers: Life is like… a poem, filled with stanzas of people who make a profound impact on your daily thoughts and actions. an elevator: going up, down, and sometimes resting on one floor. a Continue reading

In collaboration with fellow blogger, Leah Heiss. As we scrape the last spoonfuls of creamy, dark chocolate ice cream from the cartoon, we savor the moment. The delectable taste of sugar sweetens our palette. During a time of distress, loneliness, and despair, we are prompted to find happiness in life’s simple pleasures. From watching blockbuster Continue reading