Summer of Self-Discovery
By PPMAH Officer, Anella Palacpac
During the months leading up to summer 2021, I worked on my applications to three summer research programs. “You’ll know by the end of May”, was always my last thought at night and my first in the morning. This was another bad case of unlucky anxiety because by the end of May, I received three rejections emails.
Life as a premed involves frequent times I feel far from the competition. It took me a while to get past this particular outcome because I spent time thinking I submitted my best applications. Research was the intended plan for my summer but instead, I encouraged myself to enter summer without an agenda.
I’ve dreamt about surfing our beautiful Hawaiian waters for many years. This summer, my boyfriend and I often took advantage of 2 hour board rentals for only $5. Our surf session would be then followed with a visit to our favorite coffee shop, Kona Purveyors. Snorkeling at two North Shore locations was another adventure we shared. I always do my part in keeping a friendly distance away from the beautiful fishes. But there have been times the forces of nature go against my favor and the scene I generate is not pretty. This summer I grew very aware that the patience I need to be in open water is unmatched to anything else I’ve ever experienced.
One of the biggest summer highlights was reuniting with my best friend. We hadn’t seen each other in 4 years since I moved out of California and called O’ahu my new home. We cringed at our high school memories, I showed her my favorite spots and almost succeeded in convincing her to live here one day. Above all, the happiness I felt being with her made this island feel more like home.
I wanted to instill a healthier lifestyle to my family’s routine, and this summer I finally had the time to make it happen. This involved me scheduling days of the week when we would have home-cooked meals and when we would play tennis altogether. It was hard to notice any difference my efforts had made. But once my little brother screamed in excitement for tennis day and gave two thumbs up after tasting his grilled vegetables, I finally had my sense of my major achievement.
It wasn’t my intention to have a completely free summer. Those three rejection letters became my gateway into self-discovery. I became a lover of the ocean, a tour guide, and my family’s personal fitness influencer. By the end of my story, I hope any pre-med feels relieved to hear that not all summers have to be productive in school, work, research or volunteering. While those can strengthen your potential to become a good healthcare provider, finding time for your passions will help enhance your individuality. Treat yourself by being yourself and watch the rest of your career fall into place.
