smarts.

Today a friend I had met just this semester tell me she that had withdrawn from the nursing program. She told me through tear-filled eyes that she just couldn't do it anymore - the stress, the exams, the pressure to know it all. I have to admit, although I did feel terrible for her, I could see it coming. I had watched her struggle though Anatomy, Physiology, and Nursing.

And maybe that's worse than being caught off guard? It got me thinking.

But on a level I can totally relate - I changed universities last semester and struggled to stand by my choice. But everything pulled through and came together. How can you tell someone struggling through a difficult time that things always get better? Bah. If someone told me that while I moped at my lowest, I would've bit their head off (just ask my Mother).

Sorta related, but not - I've been surprised lately by the complaining I've heard from class mates.

"I can't believe I missed ANTM again - stupid physiology!"

"English is too hard, so I went out drinking with 'ma buddies."

"I gave look over my notes and said 'PFT, no one's passing anyways!' "

"The prof didn't say _____ would be on the test! ARGH!"

Seriously, folks. Did you think your degree would just be handed to you? Perhaps a clarification between real life and the lives shown on House/Grey's/Mercy life is necessary.

Yes, I do my fair share of complaining too - don't get me wrong. However, it's usually self-inflicted torture: procrastination, stubbornness, or just laziness. I try to stay away from this self-righteous, I-don't-need-to-study nonsense. Face it, folks. Studying and university are basically welded to be hand-in-hand.

And besides, finishing the 4 years IS possible. Look at all the graduate nurses now! They've had to come from somewhere - there's no stork just dropping off RN's whenever the need arises. Most of them have faced the music of university and survived just fine.

I'm feeling a tad over-zealous making these claims - the plank in my eye is just as massive, if not bigger, as my neighbor's. Don't get me wrong! To some extent, the Torture of retail makes me a tad 'school-happy'. Yes, with a capital T. But I think it's this love I have to learn, and then do something important with it, that keeps me going strong. When I was in elementary school, good ol' Pops bought me a kids-version Anatomy book. I studied that book with him until our favorite pages were dog-eared and the binding was well worn. I could locate every atrium and ventricle within the heart, and rattle off the names of the major arteries and veins. I was convinced, in my over-active mind, that when I saw someone in a dire situation, my knowledge of their heart would be able to save their life, letting everyone live happily ever after. And you know what? My mindset hasn't changed all too much since then.

I've been following the site of Sarah Wallace, founder of Olive Tree Projects in Haiti, for quite some time. I love reading her latest updates and keeping up with her progress. What's even cooler is how other Haiti-focused blogs I follow have referenced her and her work: she's the real deal down there! One one site I watched a video of her teaching a group of Haitians how to clean their water supply. She was just talking away in Creole, demonstrating how a simple technique was so effective in perserving their water supply. As soon as she started talking, I started to cry - there's something about helping the absolute helpless, with whatever you've got, that has a place in my heart. Right now, she's the best demonstration of that kind of selfless love. And if she can help, in simple, tangible ways, how can I not? Frankly, I don't see much else that tops the importance of this. I have to help.

So here's my main thought, after all this: as a kid, I loved to learn - and I still love to learn. Sure, it takes time and effort, but the opportunities that result, ones to make a difference, are absolutely priceless. So how dare we complain about having such a blessing while there are people in our world with nothing to eat. That is ridiculous.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm driven by this need to give back, in some way, the things that I've been blessed with. I don't know exactly how, or exactly when, but I am certain that my life is on this route for a reason like this. So when I hear complaints about school, studying, or the 'hardships' of being a Canadian citizens, I get a little cheesed. Bah.

I had planned to simply check FB messages and then head off to finish Nursing homework before supper. I guess I got a little side tracked and published my rant for the day. Oh boy.

Take care,

D.