“Aiding in increasing healthcare access, delivering quality and compassionate healthcare, and reducing health disparities in underserved communities is the driving force behind my desire in becoming a physician assistant.”
This was the opening sentence of my personal statement for PA school, and this was a viewpoint I was deeply passionate about for years prior. This passion was reflected in my employment history and in community service efforts I participated in. Interestingly, now that I am a provider I see the complexity in accomplishing this in a broken health care system that is profit driven. Increasing access and delivering quality care is meaningless if profit is not generated.
What I enjoy most about writing is the freedom to express myself without interruptions or restrictions. Writing allows me to take my time in formulating my thoughts without feeling rushed. As someone who enjoys learning new things formally or on my own, I feel writing gives me the freedom to explore topics I find interesting. I enjoy informing the public of issues they might otherwise not know about. Additionally, I enjoy the therapeutic benefits that come with writing.
Over the summer while at a coffee shop studying a man approached me inquiring about what I was working on. He took notice of the enthusiasm I had while working. Although I should have been studying, I was writing on a topic I was quite passionate about. This encounter is a perfect example of the excitement I feel when writing. Will I gain a different perspective? Will my readers have a similar or different opinion? If a song could express how I feel when I write it would be Lying Together by FKJ, soul vibrating.
Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?
Her name was Bunny, and she was my very best friend. I regularly took her with me wherever I went. I slept with her, would put clips and scrunchies on her ears and told her my secrets. I recall an incident where my mom had one of her friends over who had brought her two sons. As I sat in the living room with Bunny when one of the boys snatched her and tossed her to is brother. Back and forth the two boys tossed Bunny as I cried trying to catch her. It was a sad game of Monkey in the Middle. I finally got a hold of her legs while one of the boys had her by the ears. As we tugged back and forth one of her ears ripped off. There I was devastated because they hurt my friend. I ran and cried to my mother. She scolded them, but there I stood with Bunny in one hand and her detached ear in the other. My mom promised to sew her ear back on. Bunny’s ear never was sewed back on, but the hole was stitched closed.
Stuff animals can bring a sense of comfort and companionship to children. Looking back, it was as though holding her was a way to soothe my emotions and I knew I could count on her if I needed a friend. I slowly stopped playing with Bunny around 4th grade. She gradually fell into her role as my bed décor, then onto my closet shelf, and now she is stored away in a container in my closet. If I end up having a daughter I\’ll probably pass Bunny on to her.
Hello beautiful peopleeeeee!!! I have been MIA these past couple of months. So much has happened from moving to a new state, starting a new job, quitting that said job five weeks later, failing my board exam, to later passing my board exam. Yes, I said I failed my board exam and talk about a hit to my ego. I was disappointed in myself and had a lot of shame around failing. I questioned my competency as a physician assistant. There are many that still do not know. However, I had to be honest with myself and accept I did not study to the extent that I should have.
Frankly, after graduating PA school I was exhausted and just wanted to socialize spending time with family and friends. Sis was in these STREETS. I’m talking about US and internationally lol. I underestimated the exam and failing was a wakeup call. I since have passed and am now a certified PA-C! Additionally, I will be starting a new job next year which I am excited for. I know this position will be a better fit for my personality and will provide me with the work-life balance I crave.
If I were to offer any advice to those on this PA journey, specifically those in their clinical year gearing up to graduate it would be…
What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?
My favorite holiday is New Year\’s Eve. Some people seem surprised when I tell them this which I suspect is because NYE is not one of the traditional family orientated holidays. Additionally, NYE is not recognized as a US holiday so technically is not a holiday. However, it does fall within the holiday season and is observed as a holiday in some US states.
I love NYE because my fondest memories of growing up include a large family gathering at my grandfather’s house. As you walked through the house you would hear laughter, see children running around, aunts and uncles sitting outside near the grill. It was one of the few holidays we barbecued, and I love barbeque. My grandfather lived on top of a secluded hill surrounded by ice plants, so we were able to shoot off fireworks without much concern for neighbors. Speaking of fireworks, we did not play when it came to our firework show and sometimes we traveled to Mexico to purchase fireworks that’s how serious it was for us.
I also love the concept of new year resolutions that surround NYE. Some might argue “you shouldn’t wait for a new year to start a goal…blah blah blah”, but I don’t view it that way. I believe people should start a goal when they feel ready and for some that readiness comes with the motivation of a new year. It’s as though the new year allows you to reinvent yourself, which I find freeing. You may have messed up all 360 days out of the year, but in the new year you get another chance to do better and I love that.
Lastly, as someone who loves dressing up and making a statement when I do, I appreciate the loud outfits and decorations that come with NYE. I love the parties, fireworks, loud noises, and the excitement that fills the air. NYE is a celebratory holiday and I welcome all the celebration!
What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?
My middle name is Ann which means grace. I was named after my maternal grandmother who died before I was born. I am my mother’s second child and according to my mother she initially wanted to name my older sister after my grandmother, but was persuaded otherwise. My sister’s name is unique, and I love that for her, but I am happy I got to be the one named after my grandmother. She had a tragic death and, in some way, having her name makes me feel as though I get to celebrate her in life. She accomplished quite a bit in her 33-years of life, including being the only African-American woman in her graduating nursing class and raising three beautiful children. I don’t know a lot about my grandmother or that side of the family because my mom lost contact after my grandfather remarried, but I cherish the stories that have been shared with me.
Hello 2023! What a time to be alive. This year is a big year for me given I will be graduating PA school. I’m still in aww when I think about it because it has been quite the long journey. While cleaning out my wallet I stumbled across this list I made in 2020 of my goals. For the longest I had this list tapped on my refrigerator so I could see it every day and be reminded of the progress I was making. It was a way to hold myself accountable. It’s crazy to think there was a time where I so badly wanted to get into PA school, and I did! Similarly, I remember the financial burden of a monthly car payment and having the goal of quickly paying it off. I am proud of myself for staying consistent in achieving these goals and with the new year it only makes sense to make new goal list. I’m still working on my list, but figure I share them here because this will force me to see them regularly to stay motivated. Some of my goals for the next 5 years include:
Paying of my braces by the end of 2023
Get straight As Spring Semester 2023
Graduate PA school with GPA ≥ 3.5
Graduate PA school and pass the PANCE!!!
Securing employment 3 months post grad
Apply for loan repayment
Starting my weight gain journey—My goal is to gain 15lbs
Purchase a condo/tiny home by end of 2024
Learn how to play an instrument
Being more intentional with dating/finding my person
Start developing business idea in 2024—Still not sure which idea I would like to explore, but I do want to start tapping into developing residual income
Start vlogging by 2024—As much as I love writing, I would also love to tap into vlogging as a different way of expressing myself and sharing my thoughts.
Anyway, I hope all are doing well. What are some of your goals for the new year? I challenge you to write down your goals. Whether they be for 2023, 5-year, 10-year, etc. Write them down so you can stay encouraged!
Rupi Kaur is an Indian-born Canadian poet who captured much attention with her first book titled “Milk and Honey” which was released November 2014. I remember friends mentioning the book to me, but I sadly did not have much time for leisure reading at the time. Anyway, fast forward three years later and lo and behold while frivolously scrolling through kindle on a beautify fall day I stumble across Rupi’s recent release titled “The Sun and Her Flowers”. The book was featured in the free download section, so I decided to give it a read. The Sun and Here Flowers is about Rupi’s journey and growth in finding love within herself. Her journey is divided into 5 chapters titled: wilting, falling, rooting, rising and blooming.
If you had asked me five years ago if abortion rights would eventually become unconstitutional, I would have answered with a strong “No”. I attended the Woman’s March on Washington six years ago and although the overall premises of the march was to advocate for policies ensuring women’s rights remained, the thought of women losing access to abortion still seemed unimaginable. Yet, six years later here we are.
When I first heard the SCOTUS had overturned Roe vs Wade, I felt a sense of hopelessness. This later turned into sadness and then anger. “How dare someone else feel they have the right to tell ME or any other woman what she must do with HER body” “Who do these WHITE men think they are.” As I sat on my bed processing my emotions I wondered if my grandmother, and the many women before her, felt similar emotions living during a pre-Roe era. A feeling of being seen, but not heard. A feeling of knowing you do not have autonomy over your body. Deciding whether or not to risk your life and birth a child was not your choice, but the choice of others and this feels me with much sadness, but above all disappointment.
Hello beautiful people! I’m semi-back from under the rock I’ve been hiding and it feels good to be back in the world lol. This past week I officially finished my didactic year of PA school!!! As I write this blogpost, I have a huge grin across my face. It feels me with such joy to know I am officially done and will now be off to seeing patients. PA school, by far, has been one of the hardest things I have done in my life. The late nights, deprived sleep, imposter syndrome and constant stress, are a few of the challenges that come with this journey. However, despite the challenge I am thankful to be here because I worked so hard to get here. I remember nights praying for this, praying for an interview, an opportunity, an acceptance, and here I am. Thank you God!!!
For those on this journey do not give up. Keep faith and continue putting in the work, you will be rewarded. Okay enough of my soapbox lol.
Anyway I wanted to share a few of my memories. #survivingandthriving #blessed
This past weekend I went ziplining! It was somewhat spur of the moment. A friend mentioned they were going for their birthday, and I decided to tag along. I’m glad I did because I had a lot of fun and talk about a great way to start my summer vacation. I got to meet some cool people and see the beautiful view of the forest. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I am constantly worrying about the future or stressing over past mishaps. However, I am learning to live in the present moment. This experience reminded me of this. Anyway, I’m glad I got to cross something off my bucket list and can’t wait for my next adventure!
The Physician Assistant Higher Education Modernization Act of 2021 (HR 2274) was introduced to the House of Representatives on March 29, 2021, by California’s 37th district representative, Karen Bass. The bill aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand education opportunities for physician assistant students and physician assistants. Some advantages of HR 2274 include (1.) increasing Subsidized Stafford Loan (SSL) limits and loan forgiveness programs (2.) increasing grants awarded to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic programs (3.) increasing enrollment of minorities and students from rural areas in PA programs and postbaccalaureate PA programs.
Over the years the cost of higher education has increased while salaries have remained stagnant. Millions of Americans have student debt and the number continues to rise with minorities and women being disproportionally affected1. Tuition for PA programs continue to increase with tuitions ranging between $30,000 to over 120,000. Many PA students fund their education with student loans, specifically federal aid. Currently graduate students can apply for the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan (USL) which caps at $65,0002 which is less than what most PA programs cost. If a student needs additional aid, they can apply for the GradPlus Loan which is a federal loan that requires a passed credit check. To my knowledge this is a common route students take, but for students who do not qualify private loans are the next option. Thus, increasing the SSL limits would allow students to receive loans with no or lower interest rates and forgo high interest rates that come with private loans. Furthermore, expansion of loan forgiveness programs will grant more students the ability to take advantage of these programs and minimize their education debt.
Braids, curls, straight why are you all in my space All in my space when you haven’t even asked me my name All in my space, I pull away confusion clouds your face Curiosity you claim, I see Given my 3C texture isn’t seen often in mainstream Objectification of our bodies throughout history Beginning with the enslavement of my African ancestries Are what fuels your entitlement mentality “it’s just hair” you utter disregarding my request But permission you were not granted Now I am asking you politely Next time I might not take your action so lightly And you can save all that “angry black woman” bullshit perpetuated by society Please DON’T touch my hair!
