2023 LESSON’S LEARNED

Beyond the big lessons I shared about PA school and friendships, there's a deeper theme I truly embraced in 2023: the art of *not forcing anything*. This wasn't just about social groups or study habits; it permeated every aspect of my life, from intense academic pressures to personal well-being. I realized that constantly pushing myself, trying to fit a mold, or adhering to someone else's idea of "success" was simply unsustainable. There were days when I felt overwhelmed, and instead of battling through it, I learned to pause. Taking a break isn't a sign of weakness; it's a vital part of self-care. As a student, it's easy to feel guilty for resting, but I've found that sometimes, the biggest lesson you can learn is permission to simply *be*. This mindset shift profoundly impacted my stress levels and overall productivity. Remember what they say in the OCR: "take the break!" and "good enough is better than perfect." Those words really resonated with me. When it comes to studying, I've also found that not forcing a particular method has been a game-changer. My program director strongly encouraged group studying, but as I mentioned, it just wasn't for me. Discovering your own optimal study methods is crucial. I experimented with various techniques – from flashcards to active recall – and discovered that "early mornings > late nights" works best for my brain. I also found immense value in utilizing pre-made resources and making the most of free PDFs instead of paying for expensive textbooks, a tip I wish I'd known sooner! Investing in an iPad for notes has also transformed how I organize and review material, making my study sessions much more efficient. And yes, even unconventional methods can be surprisingly effective! I've heard some students find "studying in front of a mirror" incredibly helpful. While it might sound unusual, for some, this technique can be fantastic for practicing presentations, rehearsing complex explanations out loud, or even just building confidence in their understanding of a topic. It's a form of self-reflection and active learning that truly makes you articulate your thoughts, almost like you're teaching the material. It made me think about how much we can learn when we step outside the box and truly "find our own study methods," as the OCR prompts. It's about listening to yourself. Do you need to cry when you need to? Absolutely, as the OCR wisely advises. Do you need to set boundaries and protect your energy? Yes! Learning to love yourself first and acknowledge that you can't make everyone happy are foundational truths I've taken into 2024. These aren't just abstract ideas; they're daily practices that shape how I approach PA school, my relationships, and my personal growth. So, my biggest takeaway from 2023 is this: trust your instincts, honor your energy, and don't be afraid to forge your own path, especially when it comes to learning and self-care. It's truly liberating.