To the world, I’m just a girl; whatever that means.  I drive to class every day and order Chic-fil-A at least twice a week.  I’m normal.  But, look a little deeper and you’ll find I’m also a pre-medical student with a severe case of wanderlust for the world around me.  This new blog of mine, White Coats and Wanderlust, has been a long time in the making.  It represents who I am and what I stand for, as well as my journey; past, present and future.  I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to share my adventures, dreams, and perspective with others, but it wasn’t until I found my own path that I could create this blog.

Just to let you know a little about my background, I’m a non-traditional student who recently left a promising career in order to follow her heart.  For almost eight years, I served on Active Duty in the U.S. Army and found myself in various places all over the world from the desert high country of Texas to ancient Buddhist temples in South Korea to the warm comfort of goat stew in Afghanistan.  Yes, that Afghanistan.  Throughout those experiences, I was changed and molded to a newer and better version of me, ultimately leading this girl to the conclusion that I want to help others through medicine.  My heart desires to serve others in a way that combines my work ethic and love of constant learning.  This really drew me in.  I believe that I have a unique perspective to bring to medicine and I hope to make a difference in the world around me through my actions every day.

It’s been less than a year since I left Active Duty, but I have already finished my first pre-med school year and learned quite a bit in the process.  To say the least, it’s been humbling, exciting and eye-opening.  I’ve studied during countless late nights, volunteered, shadowed doctors, and have met some lifelong friends in the process.  And the best part of this year is that I married my best friend, Ryan, who has been my biggest support through this transition.  Having someone in your corner really makes all the difference.  So, to the world I may be just a girl.  But I’m so much more.  I’m a wife, a friend, an advocate, a student, and the person who knows one girl CAN make a difference.  And so that is what I bring to you in this blog, in hopes that you will be inspired on your own path, find your own adventures and learn a little through my experiences.