You’ve been told never to read the last page first. It ruins the book, of course. Instead of wondering if Harry Potter defeats Voldemort as you read every suspenseful word, or having doubts as to whether Frodo is able to destroy the ring, you already know. You ruined the entire book by succumbing to your curiosity.
Well folks, I let the curiosity get the best of me, too. So I’m warning you: this post is going to be chock full of spoiler alerts.
SPOILER ALERT: In 3 years and some odd months, I’m going to become an optometrist. In the midst of studying for three exams this week (turns out that it’s just a warm up for next week,) I started losing sight of the bigger picture. It’s easy to forget that you’re not a coffee guzzling robot and that you actually have a purpose in life; this is the beginning, but there is, indeed, an end.
SPOILER ALERT: I will make it out on the other side. The last time I doubted this truth was about 20 minutes ago. I worried I would have to drag my bed to class with me today because there was no physical way I was able to leave the covers. I was wrong. I was able to not only leave the covers, but open my notes to do some last minute studying (err, cramming) before our exam.
SPOILER ALERT: My life will not end if I make a mistake. Apparently, I’m human and mistakes happen. I might answer #11 incorrectly on the Anatomy exam (even though I know the answer,) or I might stay up too late the night before a test and pay for it the next morning as I’m pep talking my extraocular muscles to keep my eyes open. I might even repeat a mistake I vowed never to repeat… but guess what? Life continues.
SPOILER ALERT: Optometry school is a TON of work, but I read the last page. It turns out that I’m already making some of the best memories I’ll ever have. Instead of only referring to optometry school as a lot of work, the word “fun” will also be in that sentence. Apparently, I’ve already met some lifelong friends, and apparently, I will miss being here once I graduate.
I’ve never been more excited to read the last page first as I am now. This is the beginning of the rest of my life. While I know it’s going to be a wild ride, and I know there will be a lot of 90 degree drops and ambushing loop-d-loops, I’ll have that sweet ending to look forward to in: “Celina Goes to Optometry School.”