I have always loved to write. From my early adolescence it was the one way I could communicate in a way the had a physicality to it. When I wrote others could feel what I felt, understand and relate to me in their own time, not held by the constrains of situational conversation. Through my writing I was able to let out the pain and questions I had about life and organize a sense of reason in a time where I was so filled with irresolution. Even to this day, writing allows me a way to reflect and digest the events of my life. I love the ability to come back to a poem or a piece of prose and see who I was and remember how I felt in that moment. Those conversations that I miss having with my grandparents and never had with my mom and dad are replaced with the conversations I can have with paper. Writing gives me peace, joy and resolution while allowing me a mode of communication that is always aware, ready and present and waiting to be rediscovered.

The effect of digital media on our modern language can be seen in how little most of my generation seems to enjoy classic forms of communication. Letters and hand written notes are rare. Reading books seems to be a hobby for those who are strange or socially awkward. How will all of this play out in our ability to communicate with each other? I can see the effects when I talk to my fellow pre-med students and they have no idea how to write a good essay or communicate clearly in interviews. Looking back at this application season for medical school I can honestly say that my ability to write and communicate well with others has served as a springboard for opportunity. I am hoping that my interest in being an effective communicator will serve as a point of differentiation between me and my competition when it comes to getting accepted to a great program.

Medical school interviews

This week was an important one for me as a professional student. I interviewed at KU medical school on Wednesday and it was a very different experience than my other medical interviews, I assume it is due to my strong desire to get accepted at KU. With my other interviews it seemed more conversational, as if all the interviewers really wanted to do is get to know me. With this panel of interviewers it seemed like I was interviewing for a professional program with more emphasis on my thought process than my experiences. In any case I didn't feel that this interview went worse or better than my others, just different. We will know over the next many weeks how it will all play out, and I hope the end result is me in school in KC at KU medical school!

Advertising and the internet

This week my professor posed an interesting thought about how advertising effects the internet and how effective it is. It made me think of how obtrusive ads via the net can be, blocking entire pages or forcing one to watch an ad before you can get to where you really want to go. The assumptive nature of ads on the net have that big brother feel to them that I just can't get used to.