It’s been a while. Like YEARS. A lot has happened, most recently…
I graduated college.
Bachelors of Science in Biology. 3 years. Step one of a long ladder complete.
College was really great. Really maturing but also a ton of fun. I wish I had blogged more during it, because the ~1 year of it I did blog is really fun to look back on.
Then, I spent 7 weeks studying for the MCAT.
I took it officially for the first time last June. But it was my third attempt at studying for it. I wanted to take it August 2016…and then cancelled that take upon realizing how I wasn’t ready for it at all. Then I wanted to take it May 2017…but turns out studying for the MCAT while managing an 18 hour credit load was also not gonna work. So I finally devoted 7 weeks, May to June, and took it the last possible date I could and still be eligible to apply early decision. Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket ;).
Eid. MCAT. And then…BREATHE.
I mean, I should’ve been finishing up my application. But instead I did mehndi…
…and painted…
…and ate lots of Sushi with friends…
…and then I got my MCAT results!
The whole application process really deserves its own post. But long story short, I finished my application, submitted it 11:58pm (it was due 11:59pm), and then continued breathing (waiting). :p

During my family visiting and Eid preparation, I found out I had gotten a medical school interview. Normally, you have about 4 weeks to prepare. I had about a little over a week because…a story that deserves its own post. 🙂

And then I had about 2.5 weeks to think about everything I had done wrong, all the things I could have said differently in the interview, Plans BCDEFGH to get into med school.
I also applied for a job as an EMT in the local Emergency Department. And got the job.
Because I graduated a little early and the way admission cycles work out, I had [at least] a year off of school. Gap years are pretty common, and people tend to work, travel, or do research during them. I thought some clinical experience would be fun.
And then, while walking back to my car after the last day of orientation for the job, I saw on my phone…
An incredibly surreal moment.
Lots of words can be said about seeing your childhood dream become an actual reality. I love this response from one of my childhood best friends…
So yeah.
I got admitted into medical school & start next August.
In between, I’ve been working in the ED, teaching Sunday School, painting, doing henna…actually breathing. 🙂
I watched my first complete Netflix show (Royal Pains!) and visited my new niece in Texas. ❤ We have a few more trips planned before I start school again. I have a some “Gap Year Goals” still left to attack. I can’t wait until August but I’m also loving every second of this no-school fun year.
Life is really good, Alhamdulillah.
This is so awesome Maria! I loved seeing your notes (so beautiful and doodly). My cousin is a pediatrician and I saw her go through so much work and effort like you. So much appreciation for doctors! I loved seeing your words and experiencing your emotions. Congratulations on your Medical School, job, and on a side note, I loved your graduation hat (how cool is that?!) and the Pakistan art work and mehndi. 🙂
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Thank you so much! ❤ The real hard work will start in August with classes, but I'm really glad to have this time to just enjoy the moment. And thank you for appreciating the art! One of the perks of all this time "off" is being able to paint/do mehndi a bunch (which began with that 3am graduation hat project the night before graduation :p).
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Masha Allah! Congratulations!!! I have been following you since 4 years. Glad you are back and with such great news! ❤️ Sending much love and warm wishes. You are an inspiration to me and your readers. ❤️
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Awhh this is such a sweet comment! Made my day! Thank you so much! ❤ I didn't think anyone had kept up with my inconsistent blogging all this time :p . Lots of love!
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This is awesome to hear! Where are you from? (can’t tell if you’re in the USA or somewhere else) but congrats on med school! Would love to know where you’re going to be attending! My fiance is finishing up med school this spring iA so i know all about the application/getting in/surviving part. Can’t wait to see more posts detailing all of the stuff you mentioned here!
XOX
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Thank you! ❤ I'm in the Midwest (of USA!) and got super lucky so I'll be able to attend at the campus just a 20-30 minute drive from my parent's house. What part of the States is your fiance studying at? Congratulations to him for almost being done!
Thank you so much for reading! Looking forward to being back in the blogging world.
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That’s awesome, congrats! Enjoy last few months of relaxing/freedom, med school will be very time consuming once you begin! He is in Virginia for med school, but we’re originally in/from/parents live on east coast/tri-state area.
XOX
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Congratulations! Love the photos! 😊
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Thank you so much! ❤
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Assalamu Alaikum Maria, and congratulations! While I may not know you personally, you seem to be a hardworking, smart, passionate, and talented woman, masha’Allah. I am genuinely so happy for your achievements and I pray that Allah continually bless you with success, good health, happiness, and peace of mind. Ameen.
Hugs to you for working hard to achieve your dreams. So proud of you, sis!
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I even typed my name incorrectly out of great excitement for you, haha 😀
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Awh this is so sweet! ❤ Thank you so, so much! You are so kind. I am very lucky Alhamdililah that things have worked out well for me and I've been able to have these opportunities. Seeing your excitement makes my day! Ameen to your duas <3. JazakAllah Khair 🙂
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Congratulations on getting into medical school. Enjoy the rest of your gap year. You will soon start an exciting and fulfilling journey!
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Thank you so much! I am loving every second of my gap year…but fall is getting closer and closer…ahhh! :p
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Subhanallah and congratulations! What an achievement! The American school system baffles me as a Brit but I’m super proud of you! May Allah make this journey easy for you. Ameen
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Thank you so much! 💕 I totally understand, when I tried to explain to my (British) aunt that I need a Bachelor’s degree before I can go to medical school, she was so confused by our system too 😂. JazakAllah Khair for your sweet words & ameen to your duas 💕
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