Working as a surgical technologist can be incredibly challenging, especially when you don’t have your usual work bestie by your side. Over the past few weekends, I've had to manage surgeries and long hours without Julio, and it's made a noticeable difference not just in how smoothly the work runs, but also emotionally. Having a reliable coworker during surgery provides much more than just technical support; there’s a comfort in knowing someone understands the high stress and complexity of the job with you. When I was unwell and still showing up to work, the absence of Julio made the tasks feel heavier and more taxing. It’s during these times I’ve realized how vital strong workplace bonds are in high-stress medical environments. From coordinating surgical instruments to communicating effectively with the team, every small interaction counts. Working solo or with unfamiliar colleagues can sometimes increase the risk of mistakes or delays. This experience has taught me to stay extra organized and to double-check everything carefully, but I also cherish the days when we are a seamless team. For anyone in the medical field facing similar challenges, I recommend building supportive relationships at work and having backup plans when your go-to teammate isn’t around. Self-care is also crucial—if you're feeling unwell, rest when you can and reach out for help. Being a surgical technologist is demanding, but with resilience and teamwork, we can keep patient care at the highest level even in tough times.