Wow, it's crazy to think that I start dental school in just a few weeks. I've waited so many years for this moment. People have asked me if I'm nervous or scared. The answer is no. I am SO excited to begin my career as a dental student!
I graduated from Truman State University on May 10th with over 1,000 other students. Ever since then I have been working as a nanny Tuesday through Thursday and coming home Friday through Monday to spend time with my boyfriend, family, and church friends. I've really been trying to savor the moments I have at home, because once I start school the trips home are going to become very scarce. My dental school doesn't run by semesters. I have a week off in September for fall break, three days off for Thanksgiving, two weeks off for Christmas and New Years, a week for spring break, and three weeks for summer. Except for these breaks, I don't know when I will find the time to come home. I will be in school Monday through Friday 8-5, so it's pretty much a job.
Over the past few weeks I have been shopping for all of the required materials for school. My grandparents bought me an iPad for graduation, because it is required of all students. I will take all my tests on it and use it to take notes in class. It has been nice to have it so I can get used to using it before I start school. My parents bought me five pairs of scrubs and a bunch of business clothes. My dress code is either scrubs (royal blue or ceil blue) or business casual. So long, fair well, to those college days of walking into class with running shorts and a t-shirt, or even jeans. Good thing scrubs are comfortable! My aunt bought me a new backpack, which was much needed after using the same backpack through my college years. We've been getting a ton of stuff for my new apartment that my younger brother and I will share. Going from sharing things between three people to needing everything on your own. That's what I call a shopping spree. You don't realize how much stuff you need. I officially move in on July 8th and am really leaning on friends to help me. I start my orientation week the next day, so it will literally be a one day move. So much craziness, but I am so blessed to have so many friends willing to help! Beyond blessed.
I am really looking forward to meeting all of my new classmates and making new friends. It's kind of like starting college all over again, really. It's so cool to imagine the class dynamics, and how we will become our own little community. I'm excited for the class leadership to develop, the study partners, and the support to come from peers.
If you have extra time in the next couple of weeks you can be praying for the following: Health, my body has been fighting off an infection for the past month and prayers would be appreciated for healing. Community among the new dental and medical classes. Safety, as everyone will be moving to school in the next few weeks, some from very far away. Provision, dental school is VERY expensive and all the things we need add up very quickly. Prayers for God to provide in miraculous ways. Comfort, many of the people moving will be alone and far from anyone they know. Prayers for their comfort as new friendships begin to form. Lastly, prayers for my heart, I want to be such a Christ-like example with my life that others see Him instead of me. Pray that I will be transparent, loving, accepting, and a helper.
