I'm back in Ann Arbor for the start of M2 year. By now, the first year medical students have begun their classes and we have less than a week before we begin M2 Cardiology. I remember seeing the M2 schedule last year and thinking that I could never learn that much material. I was unsure of whether or not I'd even be able to handle the first year of medical school. Looking back, I'm amazed at how much more confidence I have one year later. The first year of medical was difficult. But there was an incredible amount of support from my instructors and peers. It is challenging for nontraditional students to start up academics again. I had worked for two years before starting at Michigan. Majoring in history, I was shocked that I even got into a school as prestigious as Michigan. Even though I got through every sequence, I don't feel that I found my stride until spring. A large part of that was just learning how to study for medical school. But I never regretted my decision and I always had someone to talk to when I was stressed. Now, my biggest concern is whether or not United airlines will find my lost luggage, so that I can get my running shoes back and enjoy this beautiful weather. It is extremely encouraging to see how much I've changed over the past year. I'm excited to see how I will be feeling this time next year when I'm finally in my clinical training.