As we step closer and closer to graduation, we reflect. A question that comes up often is: if you had the chance to do Princeton again, what would you change? My answer has been the same ever since the year of agony (aka, the year in which I took organic chemistry). I always say: “I would have taken organic chemistry over the summer, anywhere besides Princeton.” I think the answer is fair; my experience with organic chemistry was lackluster. The professor refused to have office hours (this has since changed), the weekly review sessions were scheduled during my organic chemistry night lab (and they refused to change the sessions to accommodate all of the students), and I had, by-far, the least helpful TA. The class experience was terrible but when organic chemistry confirmed, for me, was that I should sign-into the molecular biology department rather than the chemistry department.
“All good writing is swimming under water and holding your breath.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald
I wrote a thesis. The night before my thesis I was due, I had a panic attack. Although I ended up going through four drafts before submission, I just felt like there was no way I could complete my thesis in time. I honestly felt as though I was drowning, but so many individuals supported me throughout the process, especially at the most trying of times. I just want to share part of my acknowledgements (which can be found in entirety in my thesis).
They say that it takes a village to raise a child. What isn’t often said, but is certainly true, is that it takes a village to create a thesis. One year, many experiments, and many pages later, I would like to acknowledge those who made this thesis far more than a requirement for my Princeton degree but a transformative experience.
“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” ― Nelson Mandela
In one of my medical school interviews, the student interviewer asked me about my leadership style. He proposed that there are two modes of leadership: (1) leadership via example and (2) leadership via delegation. I often have trouble with questions that propose just two alternatives; rarely is life that black or white. Of course., I told him that my leadership (depending on the situation) could be likened to either mode of leadership.
“Our brothers and sisters are there with us from the dawn of our personal stories to the inevitable dusk.” ― Susan Scarf Merrell
I am really lucky. I can legitimately say that my brother and sister are my favorite people in the entire world. Not all of my friends can say the same and I think it helps that all of us (my brother, sister, and I) are pretty different and not particularly competitive with one another (the age gaps help with that). So today I’m going to talk (read: brag) a bit about my sister.
“Confidence is not about being perfect. It’s about knowing where you are, and that what you’re doing is taking you somewhere.”
I’m a second semester senior. That’s so weird to say. In a few months I will be a Princeton graduate. That is even weirder to say. Of course, I want to make the most of my remaining time by really taking advantage of what Princeton has to offer. This is possible (in part) because my course schedule is on the lighter side this semester.
Yep, I’m taking a grand total of two classes. The first of which is Health Psychology (PSY 317) and I’m really excited to take my first psychology class at Princeton (besides PSY Stats). The class focuses on physical manifestations of the psychological condition of stress, death and dying, in addition to the patient-physician dynamic. That dynamic is what I am most interesting in learning about this semester.
Stilettos + Stethoscopes 