Jourdan Mathews has a secret, and she knows she needs to take this one to the grave.
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Her life was never complicated: a college student with a close family, good friends, and a plan for her future as a doctor. Had that night had never happened...
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The start of the spring semester brought all kinds of things with it, specifically the sobering realization that graduation is a lot closer now and I still didn't have any idea what my plan is. Before, with Miles, my plan was simple. He would have been interviewing with some high-tech startup in Denver that would've paid him an obnoxious amount of money. I would have applied to medical school by now and would probably be waiting to hear back.
But after everything that happened, I lost sight of my goals and that plan. I guess, after working with my therapist more, I realize that my life is going to naturally look different following something that uprooting. In fact, having a new plan now, is better than trying to hold onto something from the past.
So, when I meet with my academic and career advisor this morning, I envision a different future for myself. One with Ryder, and assuming he gets drafted, one where I take a gap year to work as an assistant in a psychiatrist's office. We'd been discussing our future more lately, trying to make informed decisions together so that neither of our lives revolved around the other. Rather, our lives should match up, have natural space in them for each other.
A gap year gives me time to figure out what I really want. It also gives me the freedom I wouldn't have if I'd jumped straight to medical school to travel and see him while he's playing.
"I think this is an excellent plan Ms. Mathews," Garrett, my advisor since sophomore year now, smiles at me from the other side of his desk where he's currently scrolling on his computer, checking my degree audit. "You have the grades and the classes to apply to any number of graduate schools, now I think it's a great idea to gain some experience in the field."
"Me too," I nod, smiling. "This way I'll have a better sense of what this career might entail."
"Exactly," he nods. "Now, I believe I may have a couple positions you could begin applying for if you'd like."
"Oh," I gasp, wide eyed, the realization that this starts now hitting me again. "Oh, yes, thank you."
"Of course," he smiles. "I will attach the job postings to the follow-up email I send you once we're done here. Along with the MCAT test prep materials we've discussed."
I nod. Taking a year also gave me more time to take the test and do well. Instead of rushing it after I fell a bit off track last year.
"Where are these positions based?" I ask and Garrett clicks on something on his computer, eyes narrowed through the thick frames of his horn-rimmed glasses.
"One is for an assistant in Doctor Levi's office," he begins. "She runs a clinic based in Denver that provides mental health services to individuals who've recently gotten out of rehab and need prolonged support. She and the other doctors at the practice partner with several rehab facilities in Denver it seems, could be a great opportunity."
