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.

Tiffany Tran is a second-year Duke PA student and a former U.S. Army National Guard medic.