There's no place like home...

From last Wednesday until today, I attended the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) held in Phoenix, Arizona.  We stayed at the Wyndham Hotel, which was conveniently located right down the street from the convention center, a mere two blocks away.  Along with a gorgeous, talented, and intelligent group of young ladies from my school (woot!), I explored downtown Phoenix and discovered what Arizona (and the world of graduate/medical schools) had to offer.  

I gained a different perspective at this conference, and I picked up on some things I should improve on.  I learned the value of networking and really seeking out the help of those mentors who are willing to help you along in realizing your goals and dreams.  Not only this, but they also stressed the importance of networking in general with your peers and keeping yourself updated on what's going on around you.  I also realized that time is quickly approaching for me to figure out exactly what I want to do with the rest of my life, and this conference has in some ways made this decision both more concrete and more fluid.

This conference made me realize more than ever before that I would love to be an MD/PhD, and as of this point in time, I'm 99% positive that this is what I am striving for, that this is my ultimate academic goal.  This conference also made me realize that I'm in a competitive position, as far as applications for this program, though of course there is still much room for improvement.  I'll do the best I can to change those factors and make my resume more solid.  And the final thing I realized at this conference is that the next decade of my life will be a long, difficult, and draining experience--emotionally, physically, and mentally.  This is despite the fact that there are certain roadblocks directly standing in the way of my future success.  (I'll write more about this, when I get the chance.)

Overall, ABRCMS in Phoenix, Arizona was a good experience, and though the environment was pretty boring, I must admit, I still had an awesome time, seeing what's out there, making new connections, and strengthening the ones I already have.  With that said, I still have to say that the not-so-exciting atmosphere and the long, hectic days caused me to become homesick veeery quickly, and by the second night, I was already wishing I was home.

As we flew back to Los Angeles, I took the window seat.  The flight was only a little more than an hour, and so as I busied myself during the flight, my eyes occasionally wandered over to the window to check for city lights.  The first few times, all I saw were specks of light, scattered in an ocean of pitch black.  Finally, our plane began its descent.  Oh, to see the twinkling lights of Los Angeles felt like an early Christmas in my heart!  I was home, though not on the ground yet, I was home, and my heart knew it.  I looked at everything and savored the moment, a breath-taking overview of Los Angeles County, from the residential homes to businesses and even to the freeways (and traffic).  Ever since my family immigrated from the Philippines to America, Los Angeles has always been my home, and this trip has made me realize more than ever that this is where my heart truly finds peace and rest.  I love this city, and no matter where life or my career takes me, Los Angeles will always ultimately be home to me.  There's no place like home... there's no place like LA!