A Month of Adjustments
The dichotomous irony from two posts ago to this is not lost on me, but take what you can get here. As I approached the end of my first year of grad school, I found myself contemplating the constant state of adjustment we often find ourselves in. It struck me how rapidly things can transform within just a year. It seemed like only yesterday I was completing my undergraduate degree at Penn State, and now I have successfully completed half of my master's program. However, amidst these academic transitions, I was confronted with even more immediate adjustments, such as transitioning from a structured class schedule to the uncertainty of interviewing for summer internships to fulfill my practicum requirements. Adding further complexity to this period of change was the passing of my grandfather, a man who had been my role model for 23 years. And to top it all off, I was eagerly anticipating my MCAT scores, which would determine whether I would need to resume studying for that daunting exam.
The shift from being a student attending regular classes to suddenly having no classes at all was initially disorienting. The absence of a set schedule left me feeling adrift, unsure of how to structure my time and maintain a sense of purpose. However, I soon realized that this period provided an opportunity for personal growth and exploration. It allowed me to delve into self-directed projects, pursue new interests, and focus on acquiring practical skills through internships.
In the midst of adjusting to the academic changes, I faced the loss of my grandfather. There are a lot of people in the world: many good, some great, but only one John Bagnato. I was fortunate enough to be in a position where he served as the model of the man I wanted to be like when I grew up. He truly taught me everything I know, from how to keep a routine and take care of myself to how to love and care for those around me. I was left with the question, "Where do you go when the strongest person you know is no longer around? To whom do you turn when your role model is gone?" For me, the answer came in embracing the time we had together and remembering all the lessons that he taught me, as I can carry those with me for the rest of my life.
As I reflect on this month of adjustments, I am reminded of the profound resilience of the human spirit. Life is a series of transitions, sometimes planned and sometimes unexpected, but it is through these moments of adjustment that we discover our inner strength and capacity for growth. It is during these times that we learn to adapt, find new paths, and appreciate the connections and experiences that shape us. With each adjustment, we evolve into a more sturdy yet compassionate version of ourselves, ready to face the next chapter with renewed vigor and determination.