I am finally in Boston. As I predicted, the last ten days before leaving for Boston flew by between cleaning out my room and visiting relatives and friends. I am pleased to say that I accomplished everything I had planned to do, even though I left 2 days ahead of schedule. It is always good tie up any and all loose ends.
I sometimes feel that I have to force topics for discussions with this blog. It is mainly because I have not begun dental school. My hope is that once I begin, topics will become more plentiful and as a result, more frequent.
But, I do have something to discuss today other than an update on my current location. It is in regards to an article I came across in one of the many computer coding blogs out there. Do not let the fact that it comes from a coding website put you off. It is certainly worth your time. If you decided to read on, no worries. My entry will talk about it more or less.
During my interview for Tufts, I was asked what my greatest failure in life had been. At the time, I could not think of anything. Absolutely nothing. Noticing that I was at a loss for words, the interviewer asked if I had every failed an exam, class, etc. I said I had not, but I did not always get my desired grade.
I want to apologize to that interview because I lied. I had failed more than one exam in college and barely passed a few classes. Those times just never made it to the forefront of my mind and out of my mouth.
That is where this article comes in. In it the author discusses the findings of a researcher who interviewed former neurosurgeons that had either left or let go by their respective programs, in order to see what differentiated those that succeeded versus those that failed. One may think that the difference is that the successful neurosurgeons were smarter, more studious, and more capable than their failed counterparts, but this was not the case; instead, the researcher found those that succeeded were as equally apt to make mistakes as those that failed, but the difference came in how each group viewed their mistakes. Those that completed the neurosurgeory program viewed their mistakes as part of the process, whereas those that quite or were let go never looked at mistakes as their fault. Unfortunate for the latter, they viewed mistakes as something totally out of their control. Talk about a difference in viewpoints.
In this case, the differences in these viewpoints have profound effects on these individual's life trajectory. It also exposes a more deep-seated problem: the inability to recognize and thus learn from one's mistakes.
I am too familiar with this attitude. For years, I regarded many of my poor grades on my written exams and term papers in college to be the fault of the professors. Looking back on it, I think my reaction ridiculous, but at the time it seemed like a perfectly plausible feeling. What it really was was my inability to recognize that I had fucked up and needed to go back to the drawing board on how I organized, developed, and coordinated my thoughts on paper. Fortunate for me, I met someone who helped me do just that. You could almost call me a "recovering mistake deflector" because I was exactly that.
Although I still find it hard to accept every mistake as my own, I can proudly say that I am now more apt to recognize mistakes and learn from them. In doing so, I have bettered both my writing and oral communication skills. It was only by making these improvements that I was able to get a job and into dental school. Well worth putting your pride to the side, don't you think?
In closing, mistakes happen and what you learn from those mistakes can make or break you. Unlike the successful neurosurgeons out there, I find this a difficult every day task. I guess I am still recovering.
Words to live by as I begin my mistake-filled journey into dental school.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Start Date Fast Approaching...
T-minus 10 days until I leave for dental school. Admittedly, I am getting more and more excited everyday. How couldn't I be? I am going to a new city and embarking on a new journey. Even better, I have more than a 175 people to meet.
Of course, the next few weeks will be pretty busy between packing, fulfilling pre-enrollment requirements, and doing a little studying (emphasis on little). It does not sound a lot to do in 10 days, but I know myself well enough to know that it will take me from now until I leave to complete everything. You can also guarantee that I am slipping in a few last minute friend visits along the way.
Let the countdown begin!
Of course, the next few weeks will be pretty busy between packing, fulfilling pre-enrollment requirements, and doing a little studying (emphasis on little). It does not sound a lot to do in 10 days, but I know myself well enough to know that it will take me from now until I leave to complete everything. You can also guarantee that I am slipping in a few last minute friend visits along the way.
Let the countdown begin!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Financial Aid...
For the past week, I have been in Las Vegas literally partying my face off. I slept less than I ever have, drank more than I should have, and gambled more than any other time in my life. I mean, it is Vegas: go big or go home.
You can imagine, then, how I felt when I came home to find my financial aid form from TUSDM. The total cost for my 2009-2010 education? Let me tell you, it is double what it was for my Northwestern undergrad. As my mother said, "that's a lot of money."
Do not get me wrong, I was not surprised by how much I had to pay. I was fully aware of the cost of attending TUSDM when I signed the dotted line, and I still feel that it is worth every single penny. It is just that it is a lot of pennies!
My leaving for Vegas also marked the beginning of my summer. At the beginning of May, I had told my boss that I would be leaving at the end of the month. Although I definitely needed income, I figured it would be a good time to leave and spend the summer working for my parents. Part of this time will be spent in my dad's office practicing on some beginner level stuff, such as doing wax-ups, giving Novocain shots, and taking digital x-rays. Sometimes I wonder who is more excited about this dental thing: dad or me!
Speaking of excited, can you imagine how excited I am going to be when I get my credit card bill?
You can imagine, then, how I felt when I came home to find my financial aid form from TUSDM. The total cost for my 2009-2010 education? Let me tell you, it is double what it was for my Northwestern undergrad. As my mother said, "that's a lot of money."
Do not get me wrong, I was not surprised by how much I had to pay. I was fully aware of the cost of attending TUSDM when I signed the dotted line, and I still feel that it is worth every single penny. It is just that it is a lot of pennies!
My leaving for Vegas also marked the beginning of my summer. At the beginning of May, I had told my boss that I would be leaving at the end of the month. Although I definitely needed income, I figured it would be a good time to leave and spend the summer working for my parents. Part of this time will be spent in my dad's office practicing on some beginner level stuff, such as doing wax-ups, giving Novocain shots, and taking digital x-rays. Sometimes I wonder who is more excited about this dental thing: dad or me!
Speaking of excited, can you imagine how excited I am going to be when I get my credit card bill?
Monday, May 11, 2009
Living Situation...
(This is the third time I have written this post because my internet connection keeps shorting out. I apologize if this seems rushed.)
I received an unexpected call from my parents Saturday morning. They informed me that I could live in Posner Hall - Tufts graduate dormitory.
I have written in previous posts about the benefits that the dormitory affords: cost-effectiveness, proximity, and social-outlets. To me, these benefits far outweigh the costs of a condensed living space, shared washrooms and bathrooms, and an overall lack of privacy.
Do not get me wrong, I love having my own apartment. There are few things that I enjoy more than being able to go out onto my porch and have a beer or two with my friends or take a quick shower after a run. These are some great luxuries.
Unfortunately, my school situation in Boston will not allow me to have these luxuries, but do not feel bad for me. I will be doing something that I truly enjoy.
I received an unexpected call from my parents Saturday morning. They informed me that I could live in Posner Hall - Tufts graduate dormitory.
I have written in previous posts about the benefits that the dormitory affords: cost-effectiveness, proximity, and social-outlets. To me, these benefits far outweigh the costs of a condensed living space, shared washrooms and bathrooms, and an overall lack of privacy.
Do not get me wrong, I love having my own apartment. There are few things that I enjoy more than being able to go out onto my porch and have a beer or two with my friends or take a quick shower after a run. These are some great luxuries.
Unfortunately, my school situation in Boston will not allow me to have these luxuries, but do not feel bad for me. I will be doing something that I truly enjoy.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Effort vs. Skill
In Malcom Gladwell's most recent article for the New Yorker he discusses the age old story of David and Goliath and how, to our surprise, David wins more verse Goliath than we may think.
Everyone, christian or agnostic, knows the classic story of David's triumph over the mighty Goliath against seemingly impossible odds. To a degree, it is the impossibility of David, a shepherd no less, defeating Goliath that prompts us to think that the heavy underdog is unlikely to come out on top. It is what makes the story so memorable and so uplifting.
However, Gladwell's piece discusses how this seemingly impossible situation, that of the heavy underdog defeating an invincible foe, occurs more often than we would guess: 33% actually. Gladwell argues that when faced with unfavorable odds, the underdog is forced to be creative in their attack because they cannot beat their heavily favored foe at the latter's own game (i.e. David could not fight Goliath in hand to hand combat).
Gladwell cites numerous historical examples and the work of one academic to support his conclusion. He discusses the Fordham Rams defeat of Dr. J's UMass team, the success of Lawrence of Arabia's band of rag-tag nomads over the Ottoman Empire, and the countless many that have achieved the American Dream. With all these accounts, one cannot help but think that the underdog might actually have the upper hand.
But probably the point that most resonated with me was Gladwell's conclusion that in battle, effort is more precious than skill. We are taught, however, that it is the opposite. For example, any one can comment on how beautifully Tiger Woods turn a poor shot into a good one, but what is often forgotten is the countless hours and sleepless nights that he put into making that shot possible. Unfortunately, effort in the form of practice, determination, and sheer will takes a backseat to the physical display of Woods' skill.
With dental school quickly approaching, I am once again confronted with the "I am only this good at science classes" attitude that plagued me during my college years. Gladwell's piece, however, has made me reconsider the trepidation I feel about competing with some of the smartest kids out there and take heart in the fact that if I put in the effort, I can triumph over these Goliaths. Sometimes it is better not to have the weight of expectations holding you down.
Everyone, christian or agnostic, knows the classic story of David's triumph over the mighty Goliath against seemingly impossible odds. To a degree, it is the impossibility of David, a shepherd no less, defeating Goliath that prompts us to think that the heavy underdog is unlikely to come out on top. It is what makes the story so memorable and so uplifting.
However, Gladwell's piece discusses how this seemingly impossible situation, that of the heavy underdog defeating an invincible foe, occurs more often than we would guess: 33% actually. Gladwell argues that when faced with unfavorable odds, the underdog is forced to be creative in their attack because they cannot beat their heavily favored foe at the latter's own game (i.e. David could not fight Goliath in hand to hand combat).
Gladwell cites numerous historical examples and the work of one academic to support his conclusion. He discusses the Fordham Rams defeat of Dr. J's UMass team, the success of Lawrence of Arabia's band of rag-tag nomads over the Ottoman Empire, and the countless many that have achieved the American Dream. With all these accounts, one cannot help but think that the underdog might actually have the upper hand.
But probably the point that most resonated with me was Gladwell's conclusion that in battle, effort is more precious than skill. We are taught, however, that it is the opposite. For example, any one can comment on how beautifully Tiger Woods turn a poor shot into a good one, but what is often forgotten is the countless hours and sleepless nights that he put into making that shot possible. Unfortunately, effort in the form of practice, determination, and sheer will takes a backseat to the physical display of Woods' skill.
With dental school quickly approaching, I am once again confronted with the "I am only this good at science classes" attitude that plagued me during my college years. Gladwell's piece, however, has made me reconsider the trepidation I feel about competing with some of the smartest kids out there and take heart in the fact that if I put in the effort, I can triumph over these Goliaths. Sometimes it is better not to have the weight of expectations holding you down.
Monday, April 27, 2009
I'm Clean...
Yeah, it is true. I got my titer results today, and I am happy to tell you that I am immune to Hepatitis B, Varicella, and Rubella. Honestly, it was not a huge surprise, but I was a little concerned about my immunity to Hepatitis B; if I were not, I would need a shot over the next 3 months. I mean, the last thing I want to do is have to go to the doctor during the summer!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Boston and Related...
I took this past weekend to visit Boston with Mom and Dad. Before this weekend, neither of them had been to New England, so I was very excited to show them my new city.
We arrived in Providence around 11pm Thursday and drove to Boston, arriving at the hotel around 1AM. In the morning, we woke up, had breakfast, and then headed to Tufts Dental School. Earlier in the week, I had set up an appointment with the student services coordinator to view the dental/medical school dormitory. We were on our way to the school when I received a call from the assistant director of admissions. Apparently, I had forgotten to send the second deposit in, which prompted the assistant director to ask if I was still planning on attending. That prompted a rush to get a money order. Luckily, I was able to get that money to her.
I was pretty impressed with the dormitories. The rooms were a good size, the kitchen was adequate, and the gym had new equipment. The kids I met were cool, too, but more importantly, they seemed to be enjoying their time in the dorm while in school. After the tour, we headed back to the hotel before going out to dinner.
The next day was spent visiting a friend at Harvard. I figured my mom would enjoy visiting the campus while my dad was doing a seminar at TUSDM. If you have never been to Harvard, take the time to walk around and see the university. It is truly a site. After spending the day in Cambridge, we headed to Fenway to see the Sox play Baltimore. I had a few friends come along to the game. It was a late night.
Seeing my parents happy with the city made me feel even better about going to TUSDM. Although the decision to go to TUSDM ultimately fell on me, I am happy to know their are excited for my new school.
We arrived in Providence around 11pm Thursday and drove to Boston, arriving at the hotel around 1AM. In the morning, we woke up, had breakfast, and then headed to Tufts Dental School. Earlier in the week, I had set up an appointment with the student services coordinator to view the dental/medical school dormitory. We were on our way to the school when I received a call from the assistant director of admissions. Apparently, I had forgotten to send the second deposit in, which prompted the assistant director to ask if I was still planning on attending. That prompted a rush to get a money order. Luckily, I was able to get that money to her.
I was pretty impressed with the dormitories. The rooms were a good size, the kitchen was adequate, and the gym had new equipment. The kids I met were cool, too, but more importantly, they seemed to be enjoying their time in the dorm while in school. After the tour, we headed back to the hotel before going out to dinner.
The next day was spent visiting a friend at Harvard. I figured my mom would enjoy visiting the campus while my dad was doing a seminar at TUSDM. If you have never been to Harvard, take the time to walk around and see the university. It is truly a site. After spending the day in Cambridge, we headed to Fenway to see the Sox play Baltimore. I had a few friends come along to the game. It was a late night.
Seeing my parents happy with the city made me feel even better about going to TUSDM. Although the decision to go to TUSDM ultimately fell on me, I am happy to know their are excited for my new school.
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