City Girl | Rural Town

Photo courtesy of: http://www.istockphoto.com/photos/atlanta-skyline?excludenudity=true&sort=mostpopular&mediatype=photography&phrase=atlanta%20skyline

I'm from a big city. I love that there's always something going on and fun things to do. Whether I'm out having brunch (with bottomless mimosas of course!) or walking the beltline to Piedmont Park. I attended Georgia State University for undergrad, so I'm very familiar with the city. When looking for PA programs, I initially wanted to stay somewhere in Georgia. Like usual, things don't always work out as planned. To increase my chances of getting into a school during the cycle, I needed to look into other schools. However, my search did not leave the southeast region because I was also thinking about the traveling I'd have to do if I was granted an interview.


I was contacted on Wednesday for an interview that following Monday. Plane tickets were extremely expensive so I drove. There wasn't much to see on the drive and when I arrived to the town it appeared to be set back about 20 years. Something told me I was going to be accepted into that program prior to my arrival to the town. Once I got there I had to convince myself that I made the right decision. I mean I did apply to the school, I knew where it was located.

Photo courtesy of: https://www.flickr.com/photos/courthouselover/5892274585

Like I mentioned in my first post, I was offered admission during my interview. I was still scheduled to attend interviews at other schools, even in Georgia, where I wanted to stay. However, I spent the rest of that day convincing myself that this would be a great school. Sure, there's no mall, Target, Chipotle, or any good restaurants, but those things weren't necessarily going to help me get through PA school.

I went ahead and attended the interview in Georgia. It was nice and I felt like I would have enjoyed it there. However, after I left the interview I had reached my decision. I was going to Tennessee. Georgia is too familiar, fun, and comfortable. All of those things screamed distraction. I spent a lot of time having too much fun in undergrad, I didn't want to comprise my studies by being too social. I chose to invest in myself and my future, even if that meant moving to a small town.

Now it's not an easy adjustment, I would much rather be around a more diverse community. But let's face it, that's exactly what I'm going to go through in practice. According to NCCPA's 2016 Statistical Profile of Certified Physician Assistants, Blacks/African Americans only represent 3.9% of the total. Current studies are suggesting that the lack of minorities, especially Blacks/African Americans is due to financial constraints. We want to pursue careers in the medical field, but don't feel that we can afford it. Don't let the cost deter you, it's definitely worth it! You don't understand the significant impact it has on a patient and their treatment to be treated by someone that looks like them; someone they feel can relate to them. I hope more minorities will pursue careers in the medical field. I also encourage you all to look into schools that are located in rural/small towns. It's a different experience with a lot to learn from the patient population.

How to deal

I recommend making friends and spending time with people from your class. Not just for studying. Keep in contact with your support group from home (friends, family, significant other). They are not physically able to be there with you all the time and they may not completely understand what you are going through, but that little feeling of home helps. Most importantly, explore the town! Find things to do and attend some of the town events. Don't be afraid to do things by yourself. Sometimes you're going to want a break from everyone, but don't let that keep you from making the best of where you are.

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---> Strong Woman. White Coat. Black Skin

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future"

-Proverbs 31:25 NLT