# 862

Three years ago I embarked on a long journey to get on the Cabrillo College wait list for their nursing program. Scarlett was 4 weeks old when I took my 1st class, Medical Terminology. I remember thinking it would take forever to get all the required classes completed.

I then took Anatomy, Physiology, and then Microbiology. I lucked out and met an amazing friend, mother, and study partner, Renee who helped me make it through the madness with a positive outlook. Anatomy and Physiology were the hardest classes I have ever taken in my entire life. Hard, is an understatement, these classes were debilitating.

I remember being sick on and off throughout the year. This was also a really hard year on our family and marriage. We had a 1 year old and I was at school all the time and when I was not in school I was studying and when I was not studying I was thinking about school. Oh and I was also a T.A. for Anatomy while also taking physiology. Now that I look back I can see why it was so hard on Kevin. When I was in it, I just thought he was being unsupportive, but now I can see he was overwhelmed.

This is when Scarlett got her burn. I remember having to beg the doctors to make a special time to see Scarlett that did not conflict with my midterm. The burn clinic only saw patients the same days I was in school. It was the most challenging year of my life. I have been told these classes are much harder than the courses in the nursing program itself. That is a comforting thought.

Luckily we made it through and I finished the required classes with Microbiology which was packed full of fun and hands on stuff like E.Coli, Strept, and so many other infectious agents.

 I sent off my application and it was returned 2 times for errors. Long story short, third times a charm and I received my acceptance to the nursing program waiting list. I am lucky number 862 which is equivalent to 3.5 to 4 years until my number is up. Its been a long journey and stage one is finally complete. Hallelujah!!