in the army now...

I almost forgot to mention that I joined the U.S. Army. It's really not one of those moments that you forget to mention, either. It's just that it hasn't hit me yet that I have joined the military. I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship in the Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP), wherein the Army pays me through my medical training, and in return I work as a physician for them when all is said and done. It really took me a while to think this through and in the end, this was the best option for me.

I just went through my first year of medical school accumulating a little over $65,000 in debt for GW's tuition (private school) and living in D.C. Although living in the nation's capital while going to med school makes me the coolest person beyond comprehension, it does not erase the fact that this city is ridiculously expensive! But I love it here and I love going to GW. Nevertheless, I spent most of the year stressing out about how much debt I would incur over the four years of medical school. Also, let's not talk about my debt to income ratio when I get done with school and starting working as a resident. Scary!!

So, long story short...the Army is the best option for right now. This decision will not really affect me until about seven years from now when I will most likely be done with residency and will start working as a physician. But how can I possibly know what my life will be like in 7 years? A year ago, I could not imagine finishing my first year of medical school! I will be a different person when I will be done with medical school and will definitely be a different person when I get done with residency. But...I'm hoping for the best and hopefully when the time comes, I will thoroughly enjoy being in the Army. Who knows? Maybe, I will like it so much that I'll make a career out of it! It is hard to make this type of decision when all variables are not being considered at the time, but at this point, I know I made the right choice to get me through medical school financially. It will be an interesting journey and I'm excited to start..


p.s.
My roommate joined as well! Sweet..maybe we'll end up at the same army hospital for residency! That would be a trip:)