>???????? I am, sitting in the WVSOM library computer lab, blogging about graduating from Medical School.  It sure has been a long road overall but ya know, I’d do it again.   This week (Grad Week) has been an exercise in futility with endless surveys and people asking for our feedback.  It’s funny because I am sure the same feedback is submitted every year but no one ever listens! haha.  Remember this, WVSOM operates on the all mighty dollar and they will only make changes for students if it benefits their bottom line in the longrun.   Therefore, I believe the end of year surveys are useless and just serves as a chance to milk some last few minutes from us.  Well, the financial aid hour was useful, just boring.  It’s funny that the same people who griped and complained about things the first two years came back and complained about the past 2 years. Which proves my point:  People never change.  It’s an amusing observation.
Anyway, I’ve been sleeping on the floor in my friend’s hotel room because I am broke.  Not broke because I didn’t budget, but broke because I am buying a house. :(  I won’t get my first paycheck till July 15th so part of me is secretly longing for that day to come, even though I’ll be working my arse off. 

Anyway, I just want to give a hearty thanks to everyone in my life who has supported me throughout these 4 years, especially my Mom and Dad, without their encouragement I’d have been down and depressed my first two years.  I’d also like to thank my loving wife for her support. Lastly, Mike Peterson and Erik Buzzard who’s friendship I’ll never forget through school.

It’s funny, after graduation, odds are I will never seen most of these people again.  Yet we weathered probably one of the most inhumanely stressful things one can go through.  Adversity has a way of making bonds in times of need but as residency rounds the corner, there will be new challenges and new bonds formed.  I am hoping I will make new friends at Carilion Clinic in the residency program and have the same bonds I shared in medical school.   

My best friend and his wife was nice enough to take one of their few days off to come down for graduation and hood me when I receive my degree.  A big hearty thanks to best friend, Jade Hoy and his wife Malissa!

So anyway I’ve been sappy now.  I’m going to get some sleep.  Graduation is two days away and I have ALOT to do and no time to do it
Hope you all are well!
-Richie