Going Back to School Isn’t Easy — And That’s Okay

Can we talk about how hard it is to go back to school when you’re already building a life?

It’s one thing to head into a program straight out of high school — when everything is new, and your world is still wide open. But when you’re juggling responsibilities, work, maybe family, and then adding school on top of it? That hits different. Don’t get me wrong — I absolutely love what I’m in school for. I love surgery. I love the rhythm of setting up a back table. I live for that first incision in an open case. I genuinely love this field.

But loving what you do doesn’t mean it’s always easy. And school? It’s been one of the hardest parts. The stress can be overwhelming. Not just academically, but mentally, physically, emotionally. Some weeks, I break down.

And I know I’m not alone. I’m writing this for anyone who’s trying to balance it all and wondering if it’s just them. It’s not.

You are not lazy. You are not weak. You are not doing it wrong.

You are doing something really hard — and the fact that you’re still showing up says everything. Don’t let the temporary stress cloud the long-term vision. Keep going. You’re closer than you think.