Looking back

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you step back and think, "I never thought I would be here".  Let me explain, as all of you know I have spent the last year in an MPH program. As pretty much all of you know I was a little nervous about this, not the classes so much as the other students. I am not sure what this was my primary concern but whatever that is another issue, I was so convinced (and poor Brian had to hear about it) that my cohort wouldnt like me, that I wouldnt like them, that this was going to be the longest 18 months of my life. I was really worried about this, I went the first day and thought, oh crap they are all going to be friends with each other and I am going to be the odd one out, I am never going to have a partner for group projects, I will never have anything to talk about with them, they are going to think I am just an immature child. I will be the first to admit that these fears were irrational and unfounded, and that yes I did find friends. I realized this is Philadelphia this last week, maybe it was MaryAnne talking about the "breaking up of the fellowship", or Pete talking about how 18 months ago he wouldnt have made some of his comments, or maybe it is the fact that after 18 long months we have become friends, but something made me grateful for this experience despite the frustrations, feelings of inadequacy, poverty, and living away from Brian. You might even say that yes the grinch's heart grew three sizes that day, whatever happened, I have to admit there is a part of me that is sad this is coming to a close. Dont get me wrong I am excited to get going with my non student life, I am excited for the friends that are starting their careers, families, and moving across the country, but part of me will miss the cohort once we are scattered across the US, and yes MaryAnne there is a part of me that might get a little teary eyed in December. In honor of the cohort, and one of our latest presentations here is a song for your listening pleasure