NEW BLOG

I have a new blog documenting my journey through PA school. The link is::

NSUPhysicianAssistant.blogspot.com

Follow me!! :)

Hmm.

I have no news on the Navy or PA School front. I am waiting to get a pre-medical clearance before I can move on (due to my migraines). After that, I will either be disqualified, or will begin the application process.  We'll see...

Anyways, I have an iPhone, and I got the free "Holy Bible" application, that I use for church.

Today, the pastor used the passage 1 Corinthians 11:26.  Along with this app comes the "notes" section. Usually it is really good and has some pretty useful and interesting notes to go with the verse. 

Unfortunately, I found something that was very upsetting in the notes for this verse. 

Apparently, some guy is writing a blog about the "Thoughts of a Non-believer." He is an atheist and is reading the Bible and blogging about how ridiculous the Bible is.  I find this absolutely revolting. I wish I had some good reason, but mainly I find it HIGHLY inappropriate to take something and make fun of it.

Again, I have no credible or strong arguments why I disagree with this man and his blog, but I will pray for him. I will pray that he reads the Bible with some seriousness and can find that he believes it's contents.

In the meantime, I will just stay away from his blog :)

And on another note, Happy Valentine's Day.

"Get a Move On, People!"

Hey Hey Hey!

After phone tag for 3 days, the recruiter FINALLY reached me.

She is an awesome person, super helpful, and has an accent that mimics Paula Deen.

She happens to be coming to Orlando this weekend, so I will be making yet another trip home for the weekend (but Jon will be gone... sad). We are meeting on Thursday at 9:30.
She said "Make sure you bring you ID because you have to go through an armored gate and they're gonna need to know you are." If I wasn't intimidated yet, I AM NOW.

So, she sent me an email with everything I need to get. It's gonna be fun.  I need the obvious, like birth certificate, SSN card, transcripts. But I also need ALL my medical records (due to my migraines/surgery) and 3 character references, and letter of acceptance.  As well as about 1000 forms to fill out.

We have to move quickly because they are meeting this month and apparently the security clearance is what takes the longest.  She also mentioned that there are 18 spots and 21 "kits" so far.  She did say I had a solid GPA, so hopefully I'll be chosen, but we'll see.

It's all in God's hands, so I'm not worried if I get accepted or not. It'll all work out one way or another.
Pray for me on Thursday morning at 9:30 am :)

"In the Navy"

I've got BIG news!

As you know, I was accepted to the NSU PA Program, beginning June 1, 2011. 

The tuition of the program will be ~$25,529/year (excluding living and books). If you are in a graduate program or even undergraduate program for many people, it is a large sum of money. 

Most people use loans, and repay the loans upon graduation.

I have decided to attempt a different route. 

I am applying for the U.S. Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program!!!!!

This is something that I really want and will be proud, if accepted, to continue the tradition of my father and his father by serving in the United States Navy.

If accepted, there are many benefits:

• 100% of your tuition is paid. 
• Monthly stipend of $2060 to spend as you like.
• All educationally required school fees (minus housing and meals) are paid.  
• Full reimbursement for required books, supplies, and equipment. 

For this, I will be required to serve three years in the US Navy after graduation (among other various requirements during the time in school. The PA program, will, however, remain the #1 priority whilst in school.)

I am beginning the application process soon. I am waiting to hear back from the recruiter who will guide me along in this process. Unfortunately, the process takes about 3-4 months, and so I will not hear back until May!!!

I am very excited about this and will definitely keep you updated on all my goings-on for the process of applying to this program, as well as applying for regular financial aid (in case of rejection). I will also keep up with the process of actual PA school between now and the start date!

And on that note: I received my OFFICIAL LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE! 

(As well as how to give them my $$)

  Yippie!

Lucy, from 'Peanuts'

Just for the fun of it, and to document it, I am an ESTJ...

What got me into figuring this all out was a comment that "PA Students are all Type A personalities!" I don't know much, so I looked into it...

I am indeed a Type A personality with one MAJOR exception: I am NOT a competitive person. At all. Not even a little bit.

Anyhow, I did do the personality test to determine my ESTJ status, known as the Supervisor.  It is pretty accurate::

• "ESTJs thrive on order and continuity" 
• "ESTJs are content to enforce "the rules," often dictated by tradition or handed down from a higher authority." 
• "The family likewise is a central focus for ESTJs"
• "Tradition is important to the ESTJ. Holidays, birthdays and other annual celebrations are remembered and observed often religiously by this type."
•  "ESTJs promote the work ethic. Power, position and prestige should be worked for and earned. Laziness is rarely viewed with ambivalence nor benevolence by this type.
• "The ESTJ is outspoken, a person of principles, which are readily expressed. The ESTJ is not afraid to stand up for what she believes is right even in the face of overwhelming odds. ESTJs are able to make the tough calls."
•  "In school Supervisors are often model students, dutifully following directions, doing all their homework, doing it thoroughly, and on time. Above all else, they wish to do what they are supposed to do, and they rarely question the teacher's assignments, method of instruction, standards, or authority. And their industry and perseverance only become more important to them as they grow into adulthood and take on the responsibilities of job and family."
• " Supervisors are pretty easy to get to know. At ease in polite company, they tend not to confuse people by sending double messages or putting on airs-what they seem to be, they are."

If you know me, you can fully grasp that EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THOSE THINGS about ESTJ's are true about ME. It's kinda scary how a silly personality test can really accurately describe me. So, if you wanted to know anything about me, it's all written above :)

Some famous people just. like. me are::
Simon Peter (Like, from the Bible, COOL!)
Billy Graham
Lucy, from 'Peanuts' (although, I'm not exactly sure this is a good thing....)
George W. Bush
George Washington
Sandra Day O'Connor


Today, my friends, was a pretty awesome day. :)

1-1-1

1: REJECTION

1: ALTERNATE

1: ACCEPTANCE

I got all three. My first interview at NSU Jacksonville was quick to reject me. This is okay, because I really didn't like the area or the campus (personal preference).  The second school I interviewed at, NSU Orlando, placed me on the alternate list.  This was my favorite LOCATION, but not my favorite CAMPUS. My third school, NSU SW Campus (Ft. Myers) ACCEPTED me!! This was my favorite campus from the start and I will know some awesome people who will be there also. 

Nova Southeastern University, SW Campus, Here I come. 

I start on June 1, 2011. 

EEP! :)

A waiting game.

I am finished with my interviews. Yup. All done.

I don't really know how I did or if I'll get accepted. They really give you ZERO feedback during the interview. I think that I did better at Orlando than Jacksonville, but we'll see.

The 2 interviews were VERY different than one another, but the questions were about the same; which was good, because it gave me good practice for Orlando.

However, with that said, Paulene (the admissions lady at Orlando) told me that you could be a great applicant and do fantastic at the interview but still not get accepted, simply because there aren't enough seats.

I think I'm more nervous now that the interviews are over. Just a waiting game...

I should hear back from Jacksonville in 7-10 days and Orlando in 2-4 weeks.

I hope I get in. Pray for me....

Nova Southeastern - Jacksonville!

I got another interview!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On my way to school this evening, I got a call and was offered an interview. I have not yet been to the campus, but I'm sure it's similar to the Fort Myers and Orlando campus.
I had some scheduling problems, but got it all worked out. They only have interviews on Fridays and Mondays. However, since the holidays are coming up, they only had one Monday available -- December 6, the next would be January 10th.  I told them I was unable to come that day because I had an interview (hopefully that'll make me look competitive!) Anyways, that left Fridays. I have class in Fort Myers on Thursday nights, usually until about 9ish. I told the lovely lady that I would have to call her back.
So, I called my mom to see how I would manage to get to Jacksonville by 8:30 the following morning. She has it was do-able, just with lots of driving. Thankfully I have a wonderful mother who is willing to help me do anything that needs to be done. She's seriously the best. I called back Nova and told her Dec. 3 would be fantastic.

I purposely chose Dec 3. because that would give me good practice for Orlando. Obviously I will try my hardest to get accepted into both places! I am SO proud of myself  for getting this far. I didn't think that I would be able to get any interviews, let alone two! I thank God for his awesome blessing on my life!

On a side note, please pray for my brother to get a job soon!

Nova Southeastern - Orlando!

On Thursday last week, I was called up and offered an INTERVIEW to the Orlando campus of Nova Southeastern! Orlando is my first choice so I am absolutely thrilled and extremely nervous!

Hopefully this will be my school starting in June!!!!

Anyways, I have my interview on December 6. I go in at 8am and I will have an hour to write an essay on the topic of their choice. After the essay, I am given a tour of the campus (mainly the top floor, which houses the PA program). Then, I am given some financial aid information and the group of students are brought to the panel and interviewed at random, one by one. After that, I am free to leave. I will hear if I am accepted, denied, or placed on the alternate list anywhere from instantly to four weeks after the interview.  

If anyone has tips on interviewing, that'd be great =)

 I am SO nervous and

 SO excited.

Song and Verse

Lately, I have been clinging to this Bible verse that really calms my heart and lets me know that GOD is in control, not me.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 

I feel extremely blessed that I serve a God that gives me the perfect verses at the perfect time and ensures me that I do not have to stand on my own! :)

This song hasn't really calmed my heart or anything, but it's very true in my life, catchy, and fun to listen to :) 

"I just have met you yet" by Michael Buble

I'm not surprised, not everything lasts
I've broken my heart so many times, I stopped keeping track
Talk myself in, I talk myself out
I get all worked up, then I let myself down

I tried so very hard not to lose it
I came up with a million excuses
I thought, I thought of every possibility

And I know someday that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, that I give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

I might have to wait, I'll never give up
I guess it's half timing, and the other half's luck
Wherever you are, whenever it's right
You'll come out of nowhere and into my life

And I know that we can be so amazing
And, baby, your love is gonna change me
And now I can see every possibility

And somehow I know that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, I give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

They say all's fair
In love and war
But I won't need to fight it
We'll get it right and we'll be united

And I know that we can be so amazing
And being in your life is gonna change me
And now I can see every single possibility

And someday I know it'll all turn out
And I'll work to work it out
Promise you, kid, I'll give more than I get
Than I get, than I get, than I get

Grandma

My grandmother passed away yesterday evening.  My Aunt Jane wrote this:

"Ruth Lehman was born in Bowie, Maryland on November 19, 1915.  She was a
devout member of the Bowie Methodist Church and a Worthy Matron of the
Eastern Star.   The church and parsonage were built by her father, Millard
Nathaniel Schafer.  Ruth retired after many years of service with the Bank
of Bowie.  Ruth is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Grayson Edward
Lehman and enjoyed 59 years of marriage.  She is survived by her son and
daughter-in-law Gary Grayson Lehman and Elizabeth Jean Lehman of Orlando
and her daughter and son-in-law Jane Lehman Wood and David Wood of Houston,
Texas, along with 4 grandchildren, Mark, Jonathan, Ben and Bethany  and
great grand daughter, Katelynn Grace."

She lived a long, great life.  She was a fantastic grandmother and I have very fond memories.  She is better and happy now. 

 

It's Official

I have applied to P.A.school via the CASPA application. Everything is officially out of my hands. Phew. Scary. 

Here's my narrative.
The question was "What is your motivation for becoming a physician assistant?"

Michael Jackson influenced millions of people around the world.  Sometimes he was controversial, but almost every person in America knew at least one of his hit songs.  I’m not sure that the song “Thriller” changed any lives, but Michael Jackson had the right idea with his song “Heal the World.”  The chorus of this song says: “Heal the world, make it a better place for you and for me and the entire human race. There are people dying, if you care enough for the living, make a better place for you and for me.”  Although I’m not much of a Michael Jackson fan, this song encapsulates my desire to become a physician assistant (P.A.).  As a P.A., I would live each day knowing I was helping to heal the world, making it a better place, and feeling satisfied with life. Growing up around medicine, coupled with traveling to third world countries, ignited my passion to be a P.A. and motivates me to complete the training so I can help people everywhere in need.

I grew up with a doctor in the family: my father.  My father used his knowledge to not only help the people of Central Florida, but to help people all around the world  Through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, my father was able to give his skills and resources to help destitute people.  And thankfully, he included his children in his own personal desire to help. When I was in the eighth grade, I traveled with him to Russia.  I was astonished by the poverty, lack of basic necessities and substandard healthcare in this underdeveloped nation. The shock of this impecunious country helped shape my decision to become a P.A.  My desire to help people stemmed from this trip – and has continued throughout my life.  Since that trip to Russia, I have been to Armenia, Ukraine, South Africa, and Kazakhstan with no intentions of stopping there. 

Since that fateful trip in eighth grade, medicine was bound to be a part of my life.  Like life, my desire to help people is a constant journey.  Throughout high school, I knew I had decisions to make.  I knew that medicine would be involved, but medicine is full of numerous opportunities.  The years of school involved and my desire to have a family were reason enough to not pursue becoming a physician. Believing that nursing was the next best option, I started college with that degree in mind.  But my passion for nursing was missing.  I flirted with some other majors, but to no avail.  My father, noticing my trouble, suggested I follow his P.A.  After the shadowing experience with her, I immediately knew that I was meant to become a P.A. 

Physician assistants have every attribute of an occupation that I am looking for.  It would provide me the flexibility to have a family and continue working; it would provide rigorous academic standards with a shortened time frame; and it would give the unique ability to change specialties, providing for a lifelong journey of learning in medicine.  After my first mission trip to Russia, I fell in love with medicine.  The journey to realizing my dream of becoming a P.A. took some searching, but with a bit of help, the perfect place for me in healthcare was found. Once I become a physician assistant, I will heed the advice of Michael Jackson and become one step closer to healing the world. 

Let me know what you think!! :) 

FALL!

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the feeling of fall and winter. I am thrilled.

I know that Florida really misses out on the whole "fall/winter" thing... but it's what I know and I love it.

Here's a list of what I LOVE about the upcoming seasons! Just fall for now..

--Cute clothes -- I just love me some sweaters!

--Apple Cider (the smell is almost as good as the taste!)

--Pumpkin Spice Lattes

--Pumpkin carving

--Pumpkin patches and fall festivals

--Pumpkin pie

    (Clearly I am into pumpkins lol...)

--The wonderful FOOD, does it get better than Thanksgiving? I think not.
--The day-after-Thanksgiving SHOPPING. I've already planned where we're going.

--Christmas music.

    (Let me explain this one. In Florida, I consider it fall until December, when it KIND OF starts getting cold. Christmas music starts on Thanksgiving, which is in November, therefore it can be included =D )

--The wonderful fall colors

 Who cares that I can't see it in Florida... I can still wear the colors and look at pictures :)

--Decorations

 This is a pic from a fellow blogger that I follow. She has the most adorable decorations!!

Follow Courtney!

--Halloween. I am not really one for Halloween, but for some reason, you can make the CUTEST Halloween pastries! And looking at Halloween pics are always priceless.)

10-30-09 by insidemypumpkin featuring halloween jewelry

(Made by Mary! , isn't she so talented and creative?! 

(The pic above, not the food!)

TOO CUTE!

--Holiday Candles

--Cinnamon Brooms, you know... The smelly good ones from Publix!

Oh, I just LoVe Fall!

Jesse

I have a Jeep Liberty. A FABULOUS Jeep Liberty; it's name is Jesse. Yes, I named my car Jesse. My car pulled a MIRACLE today. Here's what happened.

When I was a junior in high school, I wore two rings every single day.  I loved them. One was a pretty pearl one and was was a pretty black heart.  The contrast of them both was pretty awesome.  Here's a picture :)

Sorry this isn't a good picture...

Anyways. I, for some reason that I can't fathom, took off my rings and put them in little holder in the door of my Jeep.  I went to get them again later that day, and it was GONE -- just the black heart one.  I was SoOo sad. I accepted the fact that my ring was gone, after searching and searching my Jeep for it.  I figured that it must've fallen out of the holder when I opened the door. 

This evening, after coming home from church, I looked in my cup holders and somehow (I have NO clue how it they got there), but somehow there was a whole bunch of pennies, bobby pins, and MY RING!!!!!!! As said, I have absolutely no clue how it got there, where it came from, but I am ecstatic. I have my ring back. Yippie. I thank Jesse, my beloved Jeep. 

Another quick story about my Jeep. The weekend Mary came to visit, my Jeep window broke. I have awful luck with my windows. Once, on fourth of July weekend, I was driving a few girls back from Red, White, and Boom and the girl in the back thought it would be funny to flirt with the guys in the next car and then role the window up and speed away really quick.  The plan backfired.  She flirted, embarassingly, and tried to open the window and it wouldn't go up!!! On top of that, the light was still red, so we were just sitting there. SO the car of boys next to us laughed at us :-\ 

Anyways, back to the weekend.  My window broke, and since I live in an apartment complex, I was paranoid like mad that someone would take my car and that it would rain. Well, I didn't fix the fact that someone could steal my car, but I fix it if it rained. And for your viewing pleasure, my ghetto car:

Nobody stole my car and it didn't rain :)

A Change

I have changed my blog design and name. I haven't changed the domain though, cuz that'd be confusing. :)

I finally finished the semester, with an A and a B, thankfully.  I am just about finished with CASPA, the online physician assistant application. I have to request my transcripts, finish my essay (which I'll post on here for you to read), wait for one more reference, and take the GRE. I plan on taking the GRE on September 14th, so I'm studying, studying, studying...

During my two week break I will take a small break from the GRE to go on a cruise with my mom. Yes, another cruise. We found one for super cheap leaving from Port Canaveral, which is only 45 minutes away, so we jumped on board (hehe) and snatched up the deal.  We are going to the Bahamas. Although I have been on this exact cruise 3 other times, I have never been to the Atlantis Resort... you know, this one....

Anyways, we book an all day excursion playing in this Resort, so we're hoping that those hurricanes and rain stay far, far away...

A few weeks ago, my friend Mary came and stayed with me in Fort Myers. We made it over to Sanibel and had some good food and girl time. It was extremely pleasant and fun. 

In other news, my wonderful friend, Elise, got MARRIED!!!! She was absolutely beautiful. It was a small wedding, with about 40ish people with a home reception at the pastor's house.  She had all those she loved and the food and company was great. I am so happy for her and Jason. <3

Elise was a stunning bride

Also, my BEAUTIFUL niece, Katelynn, started PRESCHOOL!!!!!!!!! Oh man, it was so exciting. She's growing up so fast, it's not fair!! She's such a cutie!!!

Her first day!!!

I wish I had something more blog worthy, which is perhaps the reason I haven't written anything in a while.  Hopefully when I get back to Ft. Myers and I have nothing to do but study, I'll write more :)

Hope you had a good summer!!

Distraction Please

I just needed to take a quick moment (real quick) to take a break from studying. I am exhausted from driving this morning.. which is something I do every week so should be used to it by now... but, I'm not. I have a test this evening and am studying....Blah.

The good news is that I get to go on a mini 2 day vacation next week to Maryland. I am super excited. And then the even better news is that next week starts the month of August, and August means that school ends for the summer, and that means that I get a 2 week break!!!!!!

Of course, after the 2 week break, I come back with Microbiology, Research Methods in Healthcare, Human Resources in Healthcare, Medical Terminology, and Intro to Diagnostic Testing. Phew. I'm tired already...

2 week break, here we come. :)

1...2..3!!!!!!!!

My beautiful niece is turning 3!!!!

Katelynn Grace is turning 3 years old on Sunday and we are having her birthday tomorrow. 

I will be making her cake -- it will be Yellow because that is her favorite color, and the party will be princess themed, because that is her favorite...well, everything. Her world revolves around princesses. 

In honor of her, here are pictures :) 

<3  It's love. <3

FUTURE!

In February 2011, I will have a new sister-in-law, and I am absolutely THRILLED. I can't wait.

Anyways, in November-ish, I will hosting a BRIDAL SHOWER for Kim. I have never thrown a bridal shower, but I am super duper excited. So, I was wondering if the readers of this blog would please give me advice or tips or ideas about the bridal shower. Anything would be helpful :)

This is their website, if you care to know a bit about them.

My Bucket List

There's been a few things that I've always wanted to do, not all practical, I want far too much :)

-Visit Italy
-Visit Greece
-Hopefully, I"ll achieve the above by taking a Mediterranean cruise
-Live in a small town (think Gilmore Girls)
-Live in New York City
-Backpack Europe
-Be a missionary

Sorry that I've seriously lacked blogging recently; my life is pretty repetitive lately :)

Technology...

I may not have mentioned, but my poor computer broke -- the silly cooling fan... So, I took it in to the geeks over at Best Buy and they had to send it off... First off though, lets venture back to June 16, 2009...

About 2 weeks before my hip surgery, my computer (HP) broke, for like the third time... So, I took it also to the geeks over at Best Buy. The week after dropping it off we went on a cruise, and then the next week I had hip surgery. Of course, after my hip surgery, I got aspiration pheumonia and wasn't doing too hot... But the world doesn't stop. Best Buy called me while in the ICU. (Little side note -- my ringtone at the time was Travis Tritt's "It's a Great Day to Be Alive" and rang at its highest volume in a hopsital wing of dying people.. Smart, Bethany...) Anyways, they called me and said that they computer, which was less than 3 years old.. cuz we got the extended warranty, couldn't be fixed and we could get a BRAND NEW ONE. My mom told me, and then I forgot. So, the day I left the hospital, my mom was like "Let's go pick out a new computer.." and I had forgotten and got SO excited and off we went to get a new computer.  I got a Sony Vaio, which has been working out well for me and I like it.

Back to the present. My beloved Sony Vaio broke. I took it in to get fixed. And today they called me and said my computer was ready. So I went in to pick it up and he brought out the computer, sans my computer cord, which had also been sent.  Turns out, Sony LOST my cord and they have to send me a new one, go figure. So, although I have my computer, it is dead with no cord and therefore useless.  Until next week, I am stuck with my dad's computer, which I am incredibly grateful for :)

Perhaps my next computer should be a Mac...