I’m a Chronic Optimist
I say this all the time: I am a chronic optimist. I really do tend to see the glass as half full, at least most of the time. However, this does not mean that I’m not immune to those darn pessimists, and the comments of others. People email me all the time, asking for the “down low” on med school, Ross University, and other related topics. My general response is that I loved almost everything. But that’s really related to my chronic optimism. There aren’t many things that I hate.
I’ve been trying to keep a very positive outlook on the whole residency match process. I want to believe that when a program says they like me, they are telling the truth. I want to believe that I have a good chance of matching at my program of choice. Perhaps I’m just fooling myself, but that’s the way I tend to think.
But lately, I’ve found myself being influenced by all the other med students who are also matching. I hear their stories of people interviewing at and ranking 15+ programs, but then not matching. I hear them say “just because a program says they like you, that doesn’t mean it’s true…they say that to everyone,” and I’ve found myself taking their comments to heart.
But today I found a reason to again believe in myself. I want to believe that I will match. I want to believe that other people have the same confidence in me that I do. And I’m going to try to block out everyone else’s voice, and just listen to my inner “happy” voice.
On another note, I just got back from a wonderful doggy walk, just as the sun was setting on the horizon. All the photos in this post are from my journey through Bushwick tonight. Enjoy.
My name is Kendra and I am a fourth-year medical student attending 
Your outlook on life is quite refreshing. Wish I knew a few more people like you. I spent 2 hours yesterday in physics lab with nothing but complainers and whiners. Assuming I pass physics (and I will), I start Ross in May and feel very confident about going, regardless of what a few people say about “caribbean medical schools.”
I’ve been reading this positive thinking book and it has really changed my mind and outlook. I tend to be the opposite of you and be negative or be very negative at times that thigns will not work out. That has completely changed around. This the whole process over from when you first wanted to go to Ross. That school blah blah blah. It’s all of what you make of it! There come negative people again…WHY? Because they want to be as positive or certain that things will work out. Maybe they haven’t gotten the “we like you!” like you got. I’m at a point in my life where it’s very transitional, which is very similar to yours. I’m on my way in as your on the way out, but the process is very similar. As people have tried to push me down or tell me “Oh no dont’ go there.” This is what it comes down to —>Kendra will get a match on March 1st and it will be the one she is happy with. WHY? Because you are happy, thankful, grateful to be able to move on as Doctor C not medical student Kendra. As much as we have our negative moments if there are more positive than negative then it’s been all worth it. My girlfriend told me once “cindy it doesn’t matter where you go to medical school because I’ve realized you make the best of where you are. You’ve worked hard to get where you are, so you will be happy that you got there.”There finish line is right there, but another marathon will start soon. Positive thinking!!! I have this quote up in my room 10% is what happens to you 90% is how you react! Everyday you say “I gots this!” So stay away from the negativity and do not share with them anything.
Honestly, they *do* talk a lot of people up…tell people they will rank them highest, etc.
However, you should keep in mind there are reasons they WOULD rank you high.
That seems like the best way to look at it.
But seriously, what IS up with programs lying to people?! I guess med students do it just as much…?
You will match somewhere nice, I am sure. All your hard work will pay off Kendra!
I think that’s the way to go Kendra. Keep it up!
As a non-med student, I don’t really understand this process, or know what all this ‘matching’ stuff means, but I do know this……I wouldn’t be worried, you’ve got the stuff and places will want you. You’re cool like that.
Thank you for the info! Looking forward to attending in May 2010 (three months now) — one question, could you comment more on the ins and outs of bringing books? You said it was complicated…are there some that would be better to buy in the States and bring with versus shipping them to Dominica, do some people recommend other options? Thanks for your help,
Kelsey