Road to Residency

Dear friends, 

I have some good news to share. I finished medical school! Last month (July), I completed my last rotation of medical school! I took the above photo the morning  of the last day of my rotation not really knowing what I was going to do with it, but I guess here it is. It has been a long journey. I always say,  I got through medical school by the grace of God and the kindness of people. This really has been a group effort.

For the prayers,  kind words on days I was in tears,  care packages, encouragement over the phone or on social media, financial gifts, classmates who gave me rides to and from rotations, folks who let me stay in their homes free of charge, people who bought me scrubs, and so many more acts of kindness and love... I thank you all! We did it!

I am now in the process of applying to residency programs. In order to practice medicine, I have to complete a residency program where I receive further training in a specific specialty. I have been advised by my school to apply to at least 200 programs being that the process has become incredibly competitive. The cost of applications are high as well as the cost of traveling to and from interviews. After sharing my current financial situation with a close friend, she encouraged me to start a fundraiser! If you feel so lead to help me, would you please consider donating to help cover the cost of my applications? I know it is a huge goal, but the smallest gift does go a very long way. 

We are right at the tail-end of application season and I am starting this campaign rather close to the deadline so I apologize. I didn't think to ask for help until encouraged to do so by my friend. I have to complete and submit my applications by September 15. However, the submission process opens September 5. So, I have 20 days to the opening and 30 days to the deadline. It is tight timeframe but I am too far committed to the dream to feel discouraged. Please consider helping me with the last leg of the journey. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this. And again, thank you everyone for all the love and kindness you have showered me with these past four years and helping me get this far. 

With Gratefulness, 
Vanessa

White coat Ceremony, September 2014 on Dominica, with my friends Sara and Jaime.  (Used with their permission)