100 Days

The next 100 days are going to be intense.

I'm finishing up my second year of medical school, which is crazy to me because I feel like it just started. I have 7 more tests until I am half way to my degree. Exciting, except for the fact that I have to get at least a 90% on most of them if I want to get an A in the class. But I'm not here to complain. When I look back at my life this time last year, I was stressed about passing! I actually have the opportunity to pull out a 4.0 for this year if I can pull those A's out on these last few tests. It's going to be tough. I got my work cut out for me! But oh, what a difference a year can make.
...28 days


The day after I finish finals, I am a bridesmaid in one of my best friend's weddings. I am so blessed to call Ashley a friend, and I am incredibly pumped about Tommy and her tying the knot on May 8. They started dating about 2 months before Ed and I, and here they are getting married 2 months before we are. It's been so fun going through the highs and lows of being single, then dating, and now both being engaged to the men of our dreams together.
...29 days


That next Tuesday starts the most important 5 weeks of my academic career thus far - USMLE Step 1 studying. While most people have no idea what that means (and I envy you), those who do know how intimidating this process is. One test determines my career as a doctor. This 3 number score will be permanently tagged next to my name on all residency applications. It is more important than my GPA, research, extracurricular activities, or "who you know." If I do well, I can enter whatever medical field I desire. If I do average (which most people do, haha), I can go ahead and cross off all the competitive specialties. If I don't pass, I have to repeat second year. I'm not too optimistic about it, considering my track record with standardized exams is pretty bleak. But hopefully with 10+ hours of studying a day for 5 weeks, I'll be able to pull it out. DDay = June 16th.
...68 days


About one month after I finish boards, I get to marry my superman. While there is much to do between now and then in regards to wedding planning, I am so excited for July 18th! It is definitely the thing keeping my spirits high during this stressful time. I can't wait to be Mrs./Dr. Chang! I must admit that there are 2 drawbacks for the name change: (1) I will never get to be called "Dr. Jones, Dr. Jones!!" like in Indiana Jones, and (2) I fear my future patients will show up to my office expecting to see a smart, Asian doctor, and then find some dumb, white chick instead. Also, I am looking forward to moving into Ed's adorable home. I have had enough of these loud, ghetto, undergrad-filled apartments. I can't wait to have a roommate again! :) But even before enjoying that home together, I am slightly looking forward to the honeymoon. Tahiti here we come.
...100 days