Encouragement

Last week when I got home from school, Kyle told me that a letter came in the mail for me.  A letter?  That is bizarre.  No one writes me letters.  The only mail I ever get that isn't a magazine or junk mail are the lovely notes Milo & Sonia send us.  And if it was from Milo & Sonia, Kyle would have just said so and not kept me in suspense.  This was the beauty I found on the coffee table:

Winnie the Pooh?  Someone knows me well.  It turns out it was from my wonderful mother!

"Oh my," said Pooh.

Life can be a challenge for a small bear.

But the rewards can be very grand indeed.
Sending you-can-do-it sorts of thoughts your way.
XOXO Mom & Dad

Jasmin,
Just thinking of you today!  Just wanted you
to know we love you and you can do anything!
XOXO Mom & Dad

While med school takes lots of dedication, motivation, patience, intelligence, and hard work, it also takes encouragement.  The encouragement kind of plays into that motivation; it keeps you going even when it gets rough.  Sometimes, med students get so stuck in the moment that they forget why they're there and the amazing things they will be able to do in a few years.  The support of friends and family has been absolutely key for me.  Whether it's a simple text saying "Happy studying today! Love you. :)", a cute card, or an email with as many inspirational quotes as she could find in 15 minutes, it gives me fuel to keep going.  To study harder, longer, and focus more.  And yes, the above have all happened - by three different wonderful people.  My support system + God (& prayer) are my rock.

So here's a shout out to everyone who has been unbelievably supportive for the past year, or 25.  Thank you.  Go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back.  You rock!