organ donor

"I don't even know where an organ is!" Ms. T said as she drove me to the airport in her comfy Nissan. I was too impressed with the efficiency of Uber to comprehend her question/statement.

"Um, like the heart...the brain..those are organs," I replied, trying extra hard not to sound pretentious in any way. Ms. T had been nothing but sweet as I told her about my trip to Oregon to interview for the Oregon Health and Sciences University MD/PhD program. I didn't want to sound like the know-it-all.

"No no, Oregon..I don't really know where Oregon is. I been down here my whole life," she said, chuckling awkwardly.

Honestly, Ms. T...I didn't quite know either.

It's 1:30 AM in New Orleans right now, 11:30 here in Oregon. I am in an earthy, historic apartment building, staying with the most gracious student host known to mankind. My uncle and aunt picked me up from the airport, bought me a kale salad (they really know me), and dropped me off at the student host's. She told me about the new OHSU curriculum, their emphasis on care for the under served, and their hospital on the hills (you have to take an aerial tram to get to it!!).

Needless to say, I'm stoked!

I've been stressed, frustrated, and overwhelmed in the past few weeks, trying to balance travels with schoolwork and praying that I don't flunk out this semester. But as our Southwest flight made landfall in the beautiful city of Portland, my struggles were forgotten. The buildings shimmered from the hills like brand new desi jewelry. The full moon watched wistfully as I stepped out of the aircraft with the good-looking tall white guy who sat next to me on the flight. 

He told me about the art scene in Oregon and his life as a struggling musician. Glancing at his face and then the signs directing us to baggage claim, I couldn't help but feel excited--for him and for me.

Our song's just begun Shaun.

(his name is actually shaun I promise...not just for my rhyming purposes)

(also, he was quite the cutie, but then again I'm conditioned to like the tall, handsome ones like T.Swift)

Hi Oregon, feels like I've known you for years. Been beating in that ribcage of mine I see.