First thing’s first- happy New Year, friends! 2018 was a year of change. I realized my life’s dream of becoming a doctor and started residency, which has challenged me physically, mentally and emotionally more than any other era in my life. Two of my best friends, with whom I’d made a home away from home for the last four years (for real tho you don’t love ya best friend like me, ceej and @linnliu love each other) moved far away to also start residency. In a lot of ways, I’ve had to examine who I am, what I care about, and, on especially hard days, reach out to others to stay afloat! And some of those people are YOU GUYS. I’ve been posting comics under Shirlywhirl for the last two years now. Some of you have been with me since the beginning, some of you are new, but I just wanted to say that I appreciate all of you- every comment, every follow. Every time you tell me that something I’ve created is reflective of your experience, it reminds me that what I’m doing (though it’s a big part for my own self care) actually has an impact!!! And also that y’all are just as messy and tired as I am. Shout out to those of you who came through on the interview trail, to my regulars, to my irl friends and family, to my premeds, to my med students, to my tried and true attendings, to my fellow graphicmedicine-ers, to my nurses, PAs, MAs, physical and occupational therapists. Have an awesome new year. Realize your dreams. And tag ya friends.
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