Overwhelmed

I created this blog with the single intent of telling my story to allow others to see what I have gone through, and hopefully act as encouragement for individuals going through similar circumstances. I honestly had no idea anyone would read it, let alone read the updates I post. I've had a huge response from family, friends, coworkers, and even individuals just searching the web in regards to my story so far...and I haven't even gotten into half of my story!!! It's amazing to have this vehicle to allow people to understand what I have been through, regardless of how hard it has been for me to write it, and I plan on continuing until the day I get my MD (Hopefully not when I'm 40).

This post is however not about my past, but my present. Through everything I've gone through, with my lack of a formal education, and even my struggle to become a functional member of society after being drugged up on SSRIs for 4 years, I still wasn't able to see the big picture of where I am now and where I have been. Things have changed in my life in a way I never thought possible. It's bizarre to think 5 years ago I was in bed, just hoping I could find the enthusiasm to continue with yet another medication that failed to improve my quality of life.

But now...now I'm in awe. Words aren't able to describe it. Right now, I'm sitting awake at almost 3 am not able to sleep with my head spinning just thinking about it. I'm doing things that I NEVER thought I'd do. Getting a GED was like climbing the top of a mountain and screaming "I did this. They said I couldn't but I did." Shortly after that getting an Associates in Science at a community college trumped any achievement I had prior... Yes, just an community college degree but I was beyond proud.

Then the ultimate goal...UNC. I can't put this into words either! I NEVER thought I'd make it this far after going through what I had gone through, and despite the many road bumps while here, every day was a gift. This amazing institution has opened doors I didn't know were there for me. After this summer session, I'm actually 4 classes from graduating with a Bachelors!!!! I still don't believe those words are coming out of my mouth but it's that close!

And now, the icing on the cake came this week. The privilege and honor to be working with the Center for AIDS Research working with community based projects to educate about HIV and AIDS. My passion to help individuals and love for medicine are combined into an amazing organization with some of the most helpful, supportive, intellectual, and just overall amazing people I have met in my life.

Even this Saturday I have the pleasure and honor to be speaking at an event organized by a community based organization, "The LaStraw, inc.", to help education their community on HIV myths and the resultant stigma. Never did I think I'd have these opportunities after everything... And I am so thankful for everyone that has helped me along the way. I wouldn't be able to do any of this if it weren't for you guys. So thank you all. For everything. And I promise to update this blog, but I just needed to get this out!!!!

Jesse