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Peer Advice: Summer Before

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One of the most important summers is happening right now -- the one before starting your PA program at MBKU!

It’s your last opportunity to spend a few months however you want, because once school starts, it’s school until you graduate in 27 months! Sure, you’ll get a 1 week or 2 week break here and there, but this last summer is the time to set yourself up for success. What does that look like?

If you ask your future class what they are doing, you’re going to get a wide range of answers. Some people decide to refresh some of their anatomy and physiology knowledge in preparation. Some people decide to do nothing school related until the first day of orientation. No matter where on the spectrum you lean, it’s important to do what feels best to you and realize there is not one right way to spend these few months. Let’s look into some directions you could take.

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Sometimes, the best way to mentally prepare for something is to not think about it! This is the fun approach to this summer. It’s non-stop choosing what makes you happy and fulfills you while having the opportunity to do so. Take that trip to that place you’ve always wanted to go. Do that thing you always said you’d do and make it special. Call that person or people and build up some summer bonds filled with bonfires and BBQs. You don’t need extravagant experiences and costly purchases to enjoy yourself and those around you. This summer can be as fast or as slow as you want it to be, you’re in charge!

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Other times, you can find comfort in preparing for what you know is on the horizon. As you learn what’s in store for you during orientation and your first few weeks in class, consider brushing up on prior material especially if it’s been quite a few years since you’ve seen it. It’s important to remember that the program will teach you what you need to know, but having that prior knowledge fresh in your mind going into it can boost your confidence and allow the transition to being a graduate student to be a more seamless experience. Even continuing any current jobs will let you stay in the healthcare mindset for longer, but make sure you time it well when leaving for school!

Of course, it’s possible to do a mix of both of those approaches! I personally picked up flying planes, visited my family in Romania for a few weeks, and did some last minute review of medical terminology. With the time you have, only you know yourself best and can decide how to spend it. It bears repeating, the most important takeaway is that there is no right way to spend your time. It’s up to you to decide what this summer looks like, and I hope it’s exactly what you want it to be!