The countdown has begun...

Here I am, about a week to go before I leave for Ghana with the Peace Corps.

My official assignment is "Science Education." If you're interested, here is a comprehensive look at what life may be like:

Ghana Welcome Book

So what have I been doing since graduation? I was able to put my degree to good use! Until very recently I had been working in the Human Spatial Orientation Laboratory of Dr. Robert Peterka at the Neurological Sciences Institute of Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).

I am wrapping up my time at Operation Nightwatch this week. Check it out- it is a wonderful program (and in desperate need of volunteers). It has been a humbling and enduring time. Some colorful and fantastic relationships have been formed there.

Since the beginning of the year I have also had the mind-blowing opportunity to shadow Dr. Kim Burchiel, Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at OHSU. Wow. After this experience, I can't imagine taking my life in any other direction. I could go on at length about this, as most of you know already, so I will spare the details here. But if you want to chat about it, drop me a line. The human body is an amazing machine. And if you ever want to be truly at a loss for words: look at a live human brain.

In preparation for medical school, I took the MCAT in April. Boy am I glad that is over with. It was a consuming process, though I typically thrive in those sorts of situations. Interestingly, I am feeling most overwhelmed by the experience now, after the fact. I think that is because I finally have jumped over the hurdle- a hurdle that I have been working towards for over 5 years! To be able to look back with my limbs intact is somewhat exhausting. And, I now am able to focus on the new hurdle in front of me- namely the big move to Ghana!

Needless to say, I have been a pretty busy lady. That's how I like it. Now I've got to learn how to slow down and enjoy life at a different pace. This is a new type of challenge for me.