Life can be pretty disappointing at times. For example, I’ve been waiting for my Hogwarts acceptance letter for nine long years now. Not to worry, though. I’m sure it’s just mixed up in the mail! But on a more serious note, the start of a new semester is a sign that there’s one less semester at Gannon for me. This both greatly saddens and motivates me. I’m beginning to realize that after my senior year comes the crashing realization of medical school and the real world.

But I still have time at Gannon, and I’ve been taking advantage of every opportunity presented to me. I’ve been having a lot of fun this semester already. I’ve agreed to tutor one of my residents on my floor in order to improve his English. Obviously this is a huge help for him and a lot of fun for me.  If you take five minutes out of your day to talk to me – and you should – you’ll quickly discover I love language and everything about it.

In fact, looking back, I almost went to the University of Maryland at College Park to study linguistics. But, after reflecting on what I wanted to do with my life, I discovered I could use my gift of linguistics in conjuncture with medicine. I then decided that I’d become a doctor of the multilingual variety in order to help people regardless of their nationality.

There was something about Gannon when I visited that made it feel right. Maybe it was the size of the classes, or the people I met on that first journey here. Honestly, I can’t say what it was that made me officially decide. Even still I get a good vibe from Erie, despite stares I get on the streets while walking around making strange noises. (I’m practicing phonology and linguistics, thank you very much!)

I’ve never doubted my choice to come to a school so far from home. It’s actually forced me to become more independent. I do wish there were more foreign language offerings though. It’s been a continually good time here, and even if that acceptance letter had come from Hogwarts, I’d still choose Gannon, because I know Hogwarts isn’t real.

Right?