THE CONS

To continue on my last post, here are some of the things about med school that are unappealing to me:

-Four more years of school. Blah! I have not been enjoying school this year and thought of being stuck in school for another four does not make me happy. I don't know if I can keep working this hard. I am sick of cooking in the microwave, and tired staying up until 2 or 3 in the morning finishing school work. School just feels like it is getting in the way of life right now.

- The cost. Tuition alone for the first year is $11,000, plus about a few thousand more for books and supplies, and then the cost of living. I heard from a friend in med school that the average student loan after med school is $150,000. That is a ridiculous amount of money.

-The inequality. It think it is so sad and incredibly frustrating that medical school is only for the rich. I'm not just talking about school itself, but the cost to apply is pretty high. I'm sure there are many smart, compassionate people out their who can't afford to even apply. The entrance exam cost $250, I was lucky enough to pass the first time (most don't, some take it 5 or 6 times). The actual application plus the cost of sending transcripts was about $200. Now that I have an interview in Edmonton, I have the cost of getting there, staying in a hotel, food etc, about $500 I'm guessing. On top of that, my laid back wardrobe is not really suitable so I have to buy a new outfit, probably another $200.

- The demand. I am not sure if I am med school material. What if I am not smart enough or good at it? I don't want to ruin peoples lives. If I want something I get it, I work hard for it, but I can do it. The problem is, I don't want this like I need to to stay motivated for the long haul. Plus, you know that I am the awkward, embarassing, unfortunate person.

-I am not sure, well actually I am sure that I don't fit the profile, I don't dress all fancy and professional. I am a very basic, plain jane, simply kind of person. I almost cried trying on suits today. It's not me. I looked so grown up, like a banker or an accountant. It just didn't feel right.

- The attitude. I am scared that it might change me, and not for the better. There is a lot of pride and arrogance. I don't want to start thinking that I am better than anyone else, because I am not, that's for damn sure. This whole thing has been because of God. I don't want to get lost in the academics and forget about people. I don't want to turn all snobby and forget what it means to live simply, not that I am any good at it right now.

- The time. I was hoping to be in Cambodia or something within 3-4 years maximum. Now I am looking at an absolute minimum of 6years plus however long it takes me to pay back my student loan.

-Overqualified. I love how God uses nobodies and does big things. This may not be true, but the more skilled I am, the less big the things that God will do. Well, that's not quite the right wording I want. But you know what I mean, when you are useless, God gets all the credit, and there is no way that people can say that it is because you what I knew or can do. But being highly educated with professional skills provides an alternative to God as the miracle worker.