"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!

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.

Day 2

I will probably be updating for each day that I shadow. Mostly because I am forgetful and would like to remember what I learned, and only slightly cuz it's mildly interesting :)

Also, I got a new blog layout.  My mom, who has come to like reading my blog (HI MOM!) told me she could hardly read it due to my colors. So, I thought it was my layout. It turns out that it wasn't my layout but something in the settings, but I ended up liking this one so much I'll keep it!

So. Day 2 at Cardiovascular Interventions!
I got there early and none of the PAs were there yet, so I went back to see Christie in the nuclear lab.  She was doing a treadmill stress test and a chemical stress test. So, I watched them for about 30 minutes and went out to see if I could find Paul or Jonathan (the PAs). Paul was there and he told me to go ahead and finish watching the stress tests and to come on out when I was finished. So, I did.

After the tests, I went and followed Paul for a very long while. All the people that we saw were for the most part fine, and were just there for precautionary reasons and to make sure nothing has worsened and to check medications.  He was caught up and so I went back and watched some more stress tests.  Paul came and got me a bit later and we saw more patients.  At cardiovascular Interventions, they do tests and results for the ultrasound and stress tests on the same day. So, I was able to follow a guy through the stress tests and then his visit. He was healthy.

The last patient of the day was my fave. He was Russian and just an absolute sweetheart.  Unfortunately, although seeming and feeling like he was in great health, his stress test showed that he might have a blocked artery.  It was nice being able to see one that wasn't normal, because up until then I had seen like 6-7 normal ones (although that is good). They have to do a cardiac catheterization.  This will then prove if he has a blocked artery or not. If he does, they will put in a stent, if not, they will put him on medication and monitor it. 

Overall, it was a very interesting day. Thanks for letting me bore you with it. I think I'll learn a lot and I really love the people! Have a great weekend!

I started...

I started shadowing today!

It didn't start off as awesome as I would have liked. But, it picked up in the afternoon and I really think I'll enjoy it. 

I started off my day taking a quick tour of the center and then watching an ultrasound of the heart. It was pretty cool. Then, I went off and watched *something!* I can't for the life of me remember what the name of it was and it's raining so hard outside I don't want to go get my pamphlet.  Anyways. It is used for people who have coronary artery disease and are unable to get bypass or a stent. But clinical studies have shown that this non-surgical option is just as effective. The downside is you have to come in every weekday for 7 weeks. I wish I could explain more, but let's face it, you probably don't care and wouldn't understand anyways :)

Next, I went into the nuclear lab (sounds cooler than it is) and watched a chemical stress test (meaning that they didn't use the treadmill, but rather had a radioactive chemical injected into them).  I also watched a MUGA scan.  This uses a radioactive chemical too, and measures the ejection fraction. EF is the amount of blood that is pumped out of the hearts ventricles. 60-70% is a good range. I was able to follow through on the patient with the MUGA and see her with the P.A.

I then went for lunch.  I went to my dad's office for lunch. That was pleasant. I just love my dad so much :)  Around 1, I went back to the cardiologists office.  I got to follow around a P.A. for about 2 hours, going in and seeing patients with the P.A., and her explaining to me different heart issues and solutions, and medications, and basically everything else.

It was overall a very successful day, and I hope tomorrow will be just as good.

Thanks for tuning in.. Have a good weekend!

Long Overdue...

I haven't posted anything lately. So, here's whats been going on...

I have a Tuesday night class (Anatomy and Physiology 2) and an online class (21st Century Healthcare Leadership..BLAH).

I go down to Fort Myers mid-day Mondays and I return mid-day Wednesday to Orlando.

On Thursdays and Fridays, I will be starting shadowing for a very talented Cardiologist. Yay.
I (my mom) also bought my first pair of SCRUBS. I am thrilled and I can't wait to wear them.

I didn't do well on the GRE, so I am signing up for an online class and will take it again in a month or two.

I am trying to stay positive. I have a LOT going on with school, shadowing, traveling and it's starting to get to me. I need to focus from now on. So, I hope I can.

I read a book, "Redeeming Love" (for like the thousandth time..) and I feel better. I just wish I had more time to read. I enjoy reading so very much.

That's it. Perhaps my next post will have more substantial information :)

Freewrite... Why not.

So, for tonight's blog entry, i just decided to write. anything. everything. something. whatever. no grammar, unless it just comes out, no stopping, unless I'm truly wordless...

I started an online class. Well, I was supposed to start an online class. Like 3 days ago. and I was late, to my FIRST assignment. Ugh. I was SOOO angry. I am not late. It just doesn't happen. and to be late for my first assignment shows that I don't care enough to be on time, which is so not true and i just don't want to give the teacher a false impression. I hate myself tonight for being late. I simply hate it. But there is nothing i can do.

I talked to someone tonight. i found out something that i originally, months ago, thought would pain me. the good news: no pain. not a flicker of pain. nothing. it validated my decision and made me feel good and that i made the right decision. yippie :) i feared jealousy, cuz i am a very jealous person, but there was no jealously, and that made me feel really good. and after being mad at myself for the online class, i felt pretty good...

Eh, that's about all the freewrite that I feel like writing... Whatever. Perhaps next time I'll write something more interesting :)
Thanks for stopping by...

A BACHELORS?!?!

I had a major shock this weekend.

I am a planner. I plan everything that is important. Always. 

If you've read this blog at all, you now that I am all set and have my grand plan ready to go for P.A. school.

 I was going to apply to 4 schools (all Nova Southeastern) because they only required me to have 90 credit hours and not a bachelors degree.

This weekend, my friend Tina and I went to the Open House over at the SW campus of Nova. We were told that we are now required a bachelor's degree before matriculation. SAY WHAT NOW!?!?!?!?!?!

Needless to say, in true Bethany form, I absolutely freaked out.

My mom, being the FABULOUS mom that she is, assured me that everything would work out fine and it would all be okay in time. She always knows what to say. :)

Anyways, I met with my adviser this morning and luckily I only needed 5 extra classes to get my bachelors (because I had already done 2 years at UCF). Of course this means that I will have to take 2 very full semesters, but it's definitely do-able. Even though I will have to work crazy hard, I will feel better knowing that I have a bachelor's degree when I graduate even if I do not get into P.A. school. Also, I am able to apply to far more schools now for a better chance of getting in. 

I'm in for a busy year.

What Happens In Vegas...

Don't have much to say, so I'll say what I'm thinking::::

In ONE WEEK I take my Organic Chemistry final!!!!

I have about an 87 in the class right now, so that's extremely encouraging. 

 CASPA (The online PA application) has officially opened, which means that I can officially start my application, which means I am officially freaking out!

In TWO WEEKS I get to go on a cruise with my mother!

For 2 whole weeks I get to read whatever I want, and not a textbook!! Woohoo!

I get to go home this weekend on Saturday to watch Kim, my future sister-in-law, try on wedding dresses!!

This is the front-runner. Gorgeous.

MaggieSottero.com

Dress: Vogue

On Sunday, I get to spend the entire evening and night with Mary and we're going to eat at Too Jay's and watch Sherlock Holmes and talk and I just am so excited. I love Mary!

Did I mention I get to go Vegas in June?! I've never been, but can't wait. 

 If you want some great shopping tips for some inexpensive clothes, check out Mary's blog this week!

Pre-PA Reality

I know must of you probably don't care. But in less than 10 months, I will know if I am accepted into the PA school of my choice (Nova Southeastern, Orlando Campus). In less than 4 months, I will have my complete application in and just wait for the phone call or letter or email letting me know that I got an interview. EEP!

Here's what my calendar for my Pre-PA schedule.

April: Start my CASPA application. (CASPA is the general application for ALL PA schools. Some, like Nova, have supplemental applications, but everyone must use CASPA). Also during April, I finish classes for this semester and order my transcripts. And.. >>>CRUISE!!!<<< [I know that it's not PA related.. but it's too exciting NOT to put!]

May: Ask 3 people to write recommendations for me. Take the GRE. Shadow a PA as much as possible. Start my Anatomy and Physiology 2 class. Start writing my essay.

June: Preliminary list for Hodges is announced. (I am in a program that matriculates straight into Nova Ft. Myers campus, if I make the list. I WANT to be on this list [especially if I'm not accepted into the Orlando campus]).  Retake the GRE, if needed. Continue shadowing. Start finalizing my CASPA application, including my essay.

Mid-July: APPLY!!!!!!!! I will be applying to 4 schools.

August: Finish A&P 2.

September: Official list for Hodges recommendations are announced.   Start new semester.

Then, I just wait, and wait, and wait, and wait. I will wait 6 months! to find out if I even GET an interview.  Most of the people invited for an interview are accepted into the program.  An interview is a very good thing.

If all goes as planned, I will start Physician Assistant School in 

June 2011

and graduate as a Physician Assistant in

August 2013

Research and Reality

I do TONS of research on getting into P.A. schools, the stats needed, the volunteer work, the GPA, the GRE, and so on and so forth.. but when the times comes to actually DOING the things needed for those stats, I sometimes lack in motivation. Studying for the GRE.. memorizing endless vocabulary words, attempting to understand Organic Chemistry.. I just don't want to do it.. I'm in that terrible place where it seems so far away, I just can't seem to find an end in sight...

I can do this. I can. And I will...

I just need to keep reminding myself that, it'll be worth it..

I WILL GET IN!

On a much, much sadder note... I am interested in blogging, and I found some great blogs that I've been following, but have never met. On of them was A Little Pink in a World of Camo. She is a newly married (10 months) 23-year old with a brand new baby girl (honeymoon baby)..She is also the wife of a Marine.

On March 15, she found out her husband was killed in Afghanistan, he never got to meet his baby girl. This is a tragic time for her and her baby and their families.  Although you may not know them (me either) they could use some prayer. 

I should be doing....

You know that feeling when you just DON'T want to study... but you know you have to.
Here's a little snapshot of what I should be doing :)

 

  

  

  

Here's what I want to be doing :)

 

  

(That's Olive Garden, btw, which I am TOTALLY craving right now..)

Unfortunately, although it's the weekend, I have 2 labs tomorrow, so I won't be doing much. Tomorrow night though, I will be going to the Edison Festival of Lights. Hopefully that will be fun. Also... I completely hurt my hip in Pilates yesterday (which I didn't notice until this morning..Ugh). I REALLY hope that the pain goes away soon. :)

I spoke too soon...

Unfortunately, the flicker of light I saw in a PA shadow opportunity was really just a flash of lightening. He never got back to me ,but I am NOT going to let it get me down. I have another plan, which includes a ton of driving, but definitely more experience :)

On a different note, my mother came and SURPRISED! me this weekend. I was definitely not expecting her, but it was a marvelous weekend spent with her. She arrived, and we went to the mall and we went SHOPPING -- which, as mentioned before, is our favorite activity. We then went and saw Dear John. It was simply fantastic. It really was great, and my wasn't expecting to like it, but she did, yay. After the movie we went out to eat and it was so nice. She also brought Cinnamon (my puppy.. he's staying with them until he's potty trained.. my apt. has ALL carpet. Dogs and carpet don't work well...) It was nice to see him too.

I have a test on Tuesday, so I'll be studying for that until then. I have a quiz in Organic on Thursday, and then on Friday, i go home! It will be my sister-in-law, Alexa's, birthday. Yay for celebrating life. I can't wait. I hope this week goes fast.

Phantom of the Opera

I got to come home this weekend! I came for a reason though. My mom bought my family tickets to see Phantom of the Opera this weekend. My entire family just LoVeS Phantom and we've all seen it many many times, but each time is different and each time is fantastic.
We weren't allowed to take pictures or I would definitely put some up...

A bit of a rewind though. I came home on Friday morning and my mom and I did what we do best: went shopping! We then went to Publix and came home and just chilled for a while.
Then, that night, we had Mark, Alexa, Jon, Kim, and Josh over for dinner. We had all my favorite food.. Flank steak, broccoli, potato casserole, bread, and angel food cake with strawberries and cool whip for dessert. Just thinking about it makes me want it again already.
I then went over to Mark's for a while and me, Josh, and Mark just hung out.. watched the X-games (did anyone else see Shaun White's wipeout??... OUCH!!). We also played Buzz. Mark kicked our butts both times...

On Saturday, me, my mom, Jon and Kim, who recently got engaged, went ring shopping to find an engagement ring. She found a GORGEOUS one..
After ring shopping, I worked on some homework and then got ready for Phantom. It was splendid.

I unfortunately have to go back home tomorrow (Monday). I wish I could have stayed longer. I'll be back home in a few weeks though. I suppose I'll just have to wait. Fortunately I have plenty of school work to keep me busy. I have my first test of the semester on Thursday in Organic Chemistry. Wish me luck!! :)

Hope you're Monday is great.

One of ThOsE nights...

Last night was one of those nights.
I basically had a breakdown about the future.
It all started with missing 2 and a half points on a quiz. That's it. 2 1/2 points. Ridiculous, I know. But what I basically did was look into my future, did a lot of math {figuring out exactly how many points I can miss and still get an A}, and came to the conclusion that I was going to get a B in my Anatomy and Physiology class. As I was doing math and freaking out, I kept thinking that if I got a B in this class and a B in Organic (hopefully I'll get a B in that class...) that no PA school will want me and I'll be stuck with nothing. All of this happening because of those 2 1/2 points. It got worse when we started the 88 slide lecture about tissue. I, having NEVER taken any anatomy and physiology class, have no clue about anything. I am learning it all brand new. Some stupid old, show-off, know-it-all guy thinks that he needed to answer all the questions the teacher asked correctly and had to reposition the apparently crappy job I did focusing my microscope, which just add to my breakdown that I truly know nothing and I never will.
Of course, all of this happened while still in the class, taking my mind away from paying attention to the lecture on tissue.
I called my mom on my way home and cried.
It was awful.
I, after a good night sleep, have come back to my senses and realized that 2 1/2 points will not keep me from getting an A in anatomy and physiology and I need to focus on TODAY. And even if I do happen to get a B in that class, I will most likely still get into a PA program. And I just have to ignore the stupid show-off guy and realize that I'm much cuter and far more like-able :)

Hope you're day was better than my night! :D

Instead of Homework...

I decided to change my blog :D
I think that this suits me perfectly and I just love it.
And I hope you do too!

I went to a new church this morning. I actually enjoyed it a lot, although I only had minimal socialization. They have a college group that meets on Wednesdays that I plan on trying. Hopefully sometime soon I'll have some friends...

In the meantime, I continue to watch movies and do some homework!!
Oh the life of a single, full-time student. Exciting, huh?!?!

Also, I had a real conversation on the phone with my BEAUTIFUL two year old niece whom I just love with all my heart. She's just so smart... So, here's some pictures!

Katelynn and Mr. PotatoHead!

Me and my beautiful niece.

Light

I see a hint of light.. whether from a crack in the door, a hole in the wall, WHATEVER! IT'S THERE!

I'll explain :D
I have been in Fort Myers since September. I am, obviously, a hopeful P.A. student. To be "competitive" you need to have some experience in the health care industry. Whether that be actually already having some degree, shadowing, anything.
I have had absolutely ZERO luck trying to find someone that would be willing to let me shadow them. None. Zilch. Nada.
I pulled some strings, and finally something came up. My dad's NP (nurse practitioner) in Orlando has a best friend in Fort Myers who is an NP. She went to school in New York, and has a friend who just moved down here and is a PA! SO, When i was super sick, my dad's NP called me and gave me this guys number. I finally got the time to call him and...HE'S WILLING TO HELP! YAY!
Finally. Someone is helping. He's unfortunately sick, so he's going to call back on Monday and we're going to set something up. I. Cannot. Wait.
:D

A New Beginning

School starts tomorrow. I have [almost] all of my books. One of my classes books have not arrived yet, but since the class doesn't start until Tuesday (the day of their estimated arrival) I'm not freaking out quite yet. I ordered a few extra supplements published with the book that weren't required or recommended, so hopefully I'll have a one-up on everyone else in the class and get the highest grade! Let me take a moment and clarify that I am NOT a competitive person. At. All. But for some reason, when it comes to school, I want to kick everyone's butt and be one hundred percent positive that I will get into PA school. I don't want to give them ANY reason to reject me, so I need to be at the top! I can't wait to learn!!!! :D

That's all for today, I'll probably post how my class when on Friday. Organic Chem. The book weighs more than me. I had a hard time picking it up, lol. My Dynamics of Aging class posted the syllabus, 26 pages!!! 3-4 assignments due PER WEEK. Definitely going to stay busy this semester. Hope the beginning of your semester is going splendid!!