Regardless of your status in life or educational background, higher education is a privilege, and careful balance of life leads to student success. Though many, if not all, may possess the keys to a door [life] not everyone utilizes it's functions. That is, to insert our keys into the keyhole [our minds], turn, and then push forward [the process of opening a door] ourselves into a new beginning. One of balance and center. Each day is a renaissance, a rebirth of that once was, and is to come. As fellow students of the healthcare profession and future clinicians, I implore you to seek balance. For in deed, it is our sole purpose for making this great sacrifice, both personal and financially. Upon graduation, your professional goal will be to restore bodies, which were once healthy and functional, but has now become dysfunctional due to imbalances, and mal-alignment.
The same is true about life. We are in a constant state of dysfunction when we are not in tuned and out of balance. And with the pursuit of higher knowledge our destinations are highly reliant upon the successes of, how well we embrace the turbulence to the finish line, and our appreciation for those indelible moments. Our journey to professional education is to learn all we can, so we can be the best we can, to all we can. However, let us keep in mind that it is in fact, a journey. Like many of us who frequently race [5Ks and more], not all finish at the same time. But with determination, sacrifice and grace, all things are possible. The great Martin Luther King once said, "I may not get there with you, but we'll get there as a people," professionally.
As we study the human body [Anatomy & Physiology], we learn that if all things being constant [homeostasis, balance] optimal functioning is possible. However, should imbalance occur, whether [musculature, vascular, ligamentous or other connective tissues] the results are imminent, pathology and dysfunction, sometimes death.
Mechanically, an imbalance arises when a long and stretched-out muscle is held by its counterpart, the short and tight muscle, in such a position that if not addressed can lead to injuries.. We also learn, that any imbalance in musculature causes mal-alignment, which then leads to mal-wearing of surrounding tissues, that concludes a myriad of acquired diseases and disparities. In congruency with our study of health and wellness, all of the above are avoidable; regardless of how dismal it may appear at times, there is hope--Cheer up, there is a cure.
I encourage you to take a mental break everyday for at least ten minutes. Just ten minutes! And for those of you whom are time-conscious, you can use a stopwatch to time yourselves. We pay thousands to be at this beautiful campus, why not enjoy it. Go for a walk; sit by the pond; use the basketball court to play; read a book that is not study-related; get to know someone new; sit next to someone new every other day. Remember you cannot choose your patients, they choose you. Why not start now? Join with a friend and talk about the good-ole days; pray for each other; call your distant families regularly; give a high-five to your classmates or professor.
Let us be advocates of a great environment, and therefore, a better tomorrow. It may seem odd at first to those who are not inclined; but remember, advocacy is the ability to see what no one else sees, yet is necessary for the betterment of all. Also, it is the willingness to step out and make a change even when your feet says no! Don't wait for a survey to tell your professor how well they are doing, and how their dedication to excellence has enlightened you. Simply put, just tell them. Let them know how much you value their efforts and expertise.
In lay-terms, appreciate your opportunities because many do not have what you do. As once stated by a USA professor, "find something to be thankful for, and write it down." Hey, your mental health is vital to your survival. Start by creating that healthy environment, and set yourselves up for success. Another gifted professor once said these words from a country perspective, "A little bit-a-something is better than a whole-latta nothing."
Remember, if your sole purpose for going to school is just to graduate, then you would have missed your calling. And, after all your studies you finally made it to graduation, but are no good to your patients because of burn-out, again, you would have missed the boat.
Above all, take five minutes each day to meditate on your creator. It is ironic how we study every other book except the one that leads to life. It is great to study, academically, I love it; but "remember, there will be no end to books."
To my classmates, I love you all very much, and I consider myself very privilege to be here with many of you, and hope that through balance and good practice we will make it to the finish line---well equipped to meet the needs of our awaiting patients.
Copyright 2009 Andrew Guy
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