Monday, July 9, 2007

My lunch hour today was spent getting my final tuberculin skin test read. I had a laundry list of vaccinations to get so that I can start dental school. It's a good thing I don't mind needles, because I have seen my fair share of them in the past few months. I had to have a HepB vaccination (which is 3 parts), an MMR booster, and a tetanus booster. Additionally, I have to have blood drawn to see if my body has built up antibodies to varicella (chicken pox) and HepB. If not, I must get a chicken pox vaccination (2 parts) and have my HepB series done AGAIN. Yes, AGAIN. So keep your fingers crossed that I have antibodies. Last, but certainly not least, I had to have a tuberculin skin test to see if I have ever had/been exposed to tuberculosis. I have had this test a couple times before, having worked in the daycare industry (my class was 18 mos. to 2 years, Renee) as well as in the public school system (I taught 7th/8th grade for 3 years). The new twist this time was that I had to have the test placed and read twice. My skin tests both showed negative, so that is good.

I have to say, I am getting really excited about starting school. Actually if I were to be truthful, I would have to say that my mood varies from very excited to growing apprehension. I worked so hard to get here, keeping my grades up, scoring well on the DAT, going on interviews, etc. I had about three months of absolute joy and a real sense of accomlishment. Now come the nerves. It will be here before I know it. I guess it will just seem surreal to actually Be In Dental School, when for so long it was this abstract thing that I was working towards. I don't know if I am making any sense, but anyway, that's what I'm thinking right now.

I've met many of my classmates already, as the current freshman class gave the incoming freshman a luncheon in April. At 28 (29 on August 23, thank you very much!), I am not THE oldest person, but I am one of the, shall we say, oldER members of the class. Kind of a funny story about age. I had to get my old vaccination record to give to the school. I had my husband call to request it one day while I was at work. He called and got someone in the records department at the county health department in Smalltown, USA, where I grew up. He told the lady my name and birthdate. She said, "Oh, goodness. Those records are really old. They won't be here. I'll have to get them from the archives department." Let me tell you, he really enjoyed telling me this story. I mean really. What are they, written on stone tablets or something?

*Can anyone tell me how to enter a title for my posts? Blogger won't let me click in the title box to type. Anyone else had this problem?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Seems like the title thing was a common problem yesterday (I read lots of blogs that said that they couldn't post a title). I didn't post yesterday, so I don't know for sure.
I came across your blog while on Brittny's. Nice to meet you!

Sara said...

Annie,

Yeah, after I posted that question last night, I saw several other people had the same problem.

Nice to meet you, too. I will visit your blog.

Rusti said...

WOW - that's quite a few tests you have to get! When I started classes at MSU I had to get vaccinations for the HepB (loved going back twice more!) the varicella (even though I had chicken pox when I was 4 - I had 104 spots!!) and the meningitis... lots of fun those were! I understand the excitement as well as the nerves - I think almost all of us go through both emotions when starting something new - whether it be schooling, a new job, or even sometimes meeting new people... you aren't alone :) congrats too on achieving your goal of getting into Dental School - I wish you the best - and can't wait to hear all about your adventures in people's mouths ;) I also get being oldER in classes... I went to a community college for 3.5 years before transferring to the U - and I had classes with 18 year olds - and at the time I was 23... although I wasn't OLD by any means - I sure felt like it sometimes! :) But there were people in their 30's and 40's in some of my classes as well, whether they were still in school, or going back to school, there are usually people of all ages there. Even if you do end up being the oldest at almost 29 years old ;) who cares? You're only as old as you feel (some days I must be 6 and others 100!!) Good luck with all the vaccinations!!

Mrs. T2 said...

Wow!!! That is a lot of shots!!! I have to get a tb test every year because by childcare center is attached to a hospital.

I am sure you will do fine in dental school and don't worry about your age. I am 33 and just finished by B.A.!!

Glad to have you back in the blogging world!!

Destination Beautiful said...

It's like going to elementary school all over again only this time there aren't any naps and coloring. :) I hope the shots go well. I think you ought to treat yourself to something totally terrible afterwards- like a huge chocolate brownie. :)
I look forward to hearing more!

brittny

Jenny said...

Ewww, I have shots and needles. I usually have to lay down for awhile. You're braver than I!