Our last school year is about to begin
Never thought the day would come!
In the midst of COVID-19, this summer break was a relief after a busy first year, and I enjoyed all the time I spent with my family. At the same time, I felt the constant dread of “did I do enough - or anything productive - over break?” Many of my classmates echo my anxiety when we chat. It is the worry of losing all that we gained over the first year that keeps my mind pacing. Thankfully, my partner reassures me over FaceTime each night with “it is called a break for a reason.” This stops my worrying for the next 8 hours that most of what I did over break revolved around the beach.
Just last year, I was moving to Durham to begin my Physician Assistant (PA) school journey, feeling excited and adequately prepared as I stepped into the unknown. Now, I feel prepared in the sense that I know I do not know everything there is to know quite yet. That is part of the plan that Duke laid out to us at the beginning of last year, as convoluted as that may seem. You reach a point in your studies where you realize you do not know as much as you thought you did. It is part of the process and very true, especially with all that is happening in the world today.
COVD-19 is one of those unknowns that my class and the world are grappling with. There will be more unknowns as we move into clinical rotations, particularly in how to stay safe and be our best for our patients. It has also shown how much our faculty and staff cares about us. COVID-19 has only highlighted this about them.
At the same time, our class, healthcare systems, and the nation are recognizing the realities of systemic racism. It is no longer on the back burner of many educational institutions and minds but sitting front and center. Black Americans and people of color do not share the same privilege that I experience as a white American, and that can be uncomfortable to talk about. Our class began this necessary conversation as our first year ended. I am listening and attempting to participate as it continues. I am looking at how to become the best ally I can be for my classmates, as I am not outspoken. I take time writing out my thoughts, whether for a blog or text or email and often stumble in matters of the moment. How do I address this? How do I stand up and help but not be overbearing as another white voice? This is a necessary learning experience for my white friends and me on bias and privilege. My Duke classmates have been endlessly kind in leading the way on how to face racism head-on, how to be an ally, how to be a productive supporter and protester, and how to be there for our patients in the future. I learn so much from them and I hope they know how grateful I am to be in a class with them.
To the class of 2022
I want to say congratulations to the class of 2022 for beginning their first year at Duke, even though it will be a little different from your past school years. You have chosen the finest PA program to attend, and even with the necessary COVID-related changes, Duke will help you thrive in the world. They have been nothing but supportive of my class as things changed in the middle of our first year.
Beyond the staff, the class you are a part of will be by your side (even if it may be in a more remote fashion). I was nervous about going to a new school with fewer than 100 people who I did not know (except for my roommate, Liz). I know it is one of the larger PA schools, but still! My undergraduate school had over 30,000 students! It is a slight change.
I was so relieved when I met my classmates. Everyone was easy to talk to, kind, eager to learn, and exceptional in their own ways. The same is true for your class. Your experience may be different, but you will still be a part of Duke. Your class, your teachers, and your future patients will push you forward to become a PA. Though we may be more remote, you are not alone.
Congratulations, and welcome to the DPAP family.
Shelby Moored is a first-year student with the Duke Physician Assistant Program. Email shelby.moored@duke.edu with questions.
Editor’s note: Duke Physician Assistant Program students blog twice a month. Blogs represent the opinion of the author, not the Duke Physician Assistant Program, the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, or Duke University.