COM Outlook Summer/Fall 2020

40 | DR. KIRAN C. PATEL COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE I could have never imagined living in, and being embodied by, such a state of uncertainty. I never expected to be filled with so many questions and fears about what the future holds, but that is the state the COVID-19 pandemic has put me in. While I knew the end to my third year and beginning of my fourth year at the KPCOM was not going to be smooth sailing, I did not really think it would be this bumpy. I never thought I would have to deal with two family members being hospitalized with COVID-19. It never crossed my mind that I would not be able to travel to Jamaica to see my uncle laid to rest. I also cannot believe that my little cousin Nicholas will be the only one of the Ramcharan cousins to not have a high school graduation. I could not have imagined being so worried about my family, and I being healthy and having the funds to accomplish every- thing this year may bring. This pandemic has turned my life— and so many other people’s lives—upside down. I feel anxious about upcoming residency applications. I am not sure how any part of fourth year is really going to play out. I am worried that someone else I know may get sick to the point of no return. I wish I had visited my family in Jamaica and Canada more frequently when I had the chance. I pray that people stop taking the virus so lightly. COVID-19 has brought so many thoughts and fears to my mind. It almost leads me to believe that the virus’ goal is not just to damage people’s physical health, but to attack their mental health as well. I know it seems like I am just listing things and rambling, but that is literally the state of mind this pandemic puts me in at times. I never imagined this year playing out this way, but that is where I am—in a state of complete uncertainty. I have no idea what is coming next, but certainly, it must eventually get better, right? Janelle Ramcharan is a third-year KPCOM student. BY JANELLE RAMCHARAN Navigating a Path Not Chosen EXAMINER Janelle Ramcharan I never thought I would have to deal with two family members being hospitalized with COVID-19…that I would not be able to travel to Jamaica to see my uncle laid to rest.