13 replies to this topic

[Sarge]

Hey guys. I have some big news....

But first some context (btw if you follow me on twitter or facebook youve heard already, this is the same post that appeared on FB and on my blog.)
Six years ago, I nearly died.

I had a kidney transplant, from my Dad. I was in the hospital for months, had numerous operations and was really in a bad spot. I never got to graduate with the people I grew up with. Instead, I would graduate a year later, away from those very people I grew up with.

That was six years ago.

In the time I was gone, rumors circulated, people weren't sure as to what happened to me... I was nowhere to be seen.

In the years since, I finished my high school, attended the University of Regina, and trieed to get my life back on track... It wasn't easy. People who saw me were surprised... They thought I had moved away, they thought I had died. Some even thought I had dropped out.

That doesn't matter to me, too much. While it hurt to hear some of the stuff that was circulating, I didn't care. I just wanted to prove to myself that I was still capable of doing something with my life.

I applied twice to the University of Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy, but was denied both times. I wrote the PCAT, twice, in the hopes that I could attend pharmacy school in the United States.
The first attempt was terrible, and the second, while significantly better, wasn't enough.

I would like to say that I never gave up, was strong, resilient, and kept on going. Truth is, I wasn't sure what to do. I nearly gave up. The last 6 years hadn't been easy, and there was no real chance in my mind that I would go anywhere with my life. Clinging to desperate straws, I applied to the U of S once more this year.

Now I COULD say that today started like a normal day, but it didn't.... First, I woke up really late, the power went out last night, and I missed the USA-Slovenia world cup game. Then I caught replays of a horrible call by the referees etc. But none of that matters.

After talking to a cousin about the stupid trade between Montreal and St Louis, (Halak's negotiating rights for prospects), I walked the dog. Almost standard stuff.

Then the mail came, and there was an envelope from the U of S. It was thick, and I figured it would be the standard package... "Thanks for trying, better luck next time." plus all of the normal materials, like how many people applied, how many got in etc.

I was wrong. And I usually hate it when Im wrong, but this time, I think I will take it.

I got in.

Finally, for the first time in six years I did something I can be really proud of... I got into Pharmacy College.

Thats huge.

In the coming days I will be emailing, phoning, talking, texting and shouting out the good news.

Theres a really long list of people I want to thank, so instead of listing every name (which I don't have the space to do so) I want to just say a big

thank you to friends,
thank you to family,
thank you to those who believed in me,
thanks to those who pushed me.

Thank you , thank you, thank you.

I hope everybody has a great weekend... I know I will.

[Barmy Army]

You're absolutely spot on, this is big news

Well done for believing in yourself and never giving up. That's great that you've been accepted at college. No wonder you are proud, shout it as loud as you like. You've clearly gone through more than enough to get to this point.

[DropThePuck]

CONGRATULATIONS!

What fantastic news! Wishing you all the best!

[Reb]

CONGRATULATIONS!

What fantastic news! Wishing you all the best!

I can't say it any better than DTP just did.
Persistance pays off once again!
Wishing you much success in your academic career and beyond!
Very proud of you Sarge!

[Dark Knight]

Fantastic news! Your perseverance paid off and that needs to be celebrated! Well done Best wishes as you move on with your academic life.

[MrsBevo]

CONGRATULATIONS!

What fantastic news! Wishing you all the best!

What DTP said! Great news and best of luck in your future endeavors!

[HillerGirl]

awesome! congratulations! way to not give up!
good luck!

[Captain-Crunch]

Congrats, Sarge! I'm so glad everything fell together for you, and you have the chance to go where you want to! I wish you nothing but the best of luck, happiness, and healthiness in the future!

[ducksfan13]

congrats, i wish you the best of luck

[jojo983]

Congratulations Sarge!!! A true example of why you should always keep trying to achieve your goals!

[-Zeta-]

Way to go man! Best of luck in your future collegiate career!

[20rules]

That's awesome!

[TheSniper]

right on!!! great read and congratz

[lvsprt]

Soooo very happy for you and the story you tell is one that each of us who have challenges should emulate. Congratulations and best of luck with whatever the future hold in your new endeavor. Wooohoooo! (I really needed a feel good story)