What Studying (Life) Mixed with Kittens Looks Like

This summer, my husband Ethan and I had twins—with fur. We welcomed Mookie Betts & Lola Belle into our little family in July. There was a post in the past on having pets in med school (http://last-home.flywheelsites.com/2014/02/07/to-adopt-or-not-adopt-that-is-the-question/). I was on the skeptical end for a while, mostly because my husband and I are so busy. But now, I am a firm believer. For those of you thinking about it, I highly recommend it. Our thought process behind the decision went a little like this: indoor cats and two cats rather than one (so they can entertain each other)—perfect plan!

Having a pet is a huge stress-reliever – albeit a bit distracting with some added comic relief. Lola will decide that sleeping on my keyboard is the best spot and adds 20+ blank slides to my lecture Powerpoint. Or Mookie will jump up and suddenly discover he has a tail…for the umpteenth time. I do honestly believe that they have contributed much joy to our lives in the short time we’ve had them. I’m a converted cat lady for sure!

 

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I am originally from Beaufort, South Carolina, and graduated from New York University with my B.A. in Psychology in 2009. Unsure of exactly what I wanted to do with my life, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work, travel, and volunteer for two years while discovering my desire to become a physician. I lived in Alaska, Belgium, Australia, and Thailand before beginning a one-year post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at Bryn Mawr College in 2011. I spent the past year in Berkeley, California, working for the University of California San Francisco as the analyst for the Division of Hospital Medicine at San Francisco General Hospital, the safety-net hospital for the city of San Francisco. My interests include integrative medicine, global and community health, narrative medicine, and working with underserved populations. Other interests include hiking, yoga, and exploring Greenville and the surrounding areas with my husband. I’m thrilled to be back in my home state and to become a member of the second class at USC School of Medicine Greenville. I look forward to sharing my journey into medical school with you!