Andrew

I'm actually really relaxed (and a little socially anxious) when I'm not working but I just took a job with a good amount of responsibility/leadership and the only way I can get everything done and keep my head on straight is to be high-energy when I'm in the workplace. I don't yell or run around, but I do make an effort to build camaraderie by chatting a bit with literally everyone and I tend to talk and move quickly at work because...I gotta get stuff done. Plus, I'm still learning some of my duties which tends to put me behind on my work.

I'm worried that I'm annoying my new colleagues with those high energy habits. I'm not trying to be disingenuous, I really want to know everyone I work with and make them feel like they can approach me with questions, concerns, or just casual conversation. Not only that, but any one of my colleagues could have had my position and so I feel even more obligated to build trust and a sense of real appreciation from leadership. Still, I'm worried about rubbing people the wrong way.

What would you tell yourself in this situation?

I’m 28, my ex is 27. She just became Facebook official with a guy she’s been dating for 2 months. We’ve been broken up 3 months and were together for 5 months, but it felt like longer. I say that without hyperbole. We both saw a future with each other and have said I love you.

BUT, I ****** up Because I was uncomfortable with commitment (haven’t had a serious relationship in a long time) and freaked out 3-4 times about with how quickly we were moving. In the end, I broke up with her. It’s only in the last few months, after consistently hanging out (we wanted to stay close friends b/c of our connection—her idea!) and not being WITH her that I realized how much she means to me.

She messed up in her own ways too, which I think is important. I may have been bad at initiating communication, but I was always honest and thorough whenever we had deep, serious talks. Getting a full, honest answer from her is like pulling teeth. What I’m saying is the relationship wasn’t perfect but I’m now in a place where I WANT to get down and dirty and work on the real relationship stuff. I don’t want to run away when things get tough, which is something we both have done in our own way.

What do you think? She still texts me every other day, shares jokes, wants to catch up from time to time. Is it too late to tell her I love her and ask if she would ever take me back?

Thanks for reading.

Quick outline of my situation:

-1/3 of the way through my post-bacc program, will finish in a year (May 2017) and will take the MCAT/apply that spring for August 2018 matriculation

-Have about 30 hrs shadowing so far, with more planned in the future (max 75 hrs, ideally)

-3 mos. volunteer experience at a clinic last year (2015)

-Working approx. 25 hrs/wk as radiology patient transport

-Bartending 1-2 nights a week to help pay the bills

Between studying enough to keep a 3.8-4.0 GPA and working enough to keep a roof over my head, finding time to volunteer is proving difficult. I'll have year+3 mos. to work and volunteer after my post-bacc is finished and before (hopeful) matriculation, but is that too late to add volunteer hours to my resume? I know you can update your AMCAS app as your resume grows, but I'm wondering if I need to try to fit in regular volunteer hours now and put working on the back burner?

I want to read it because I'm trying to cross some classics off my list, but knowing that it's a difficult read, I want something to look for while slogging through. Knowing what makes a particular book "classic" sometimes helps me zone in on what to appreciate about it (compelling plot, unforgettable characters, masterful language, etc) while enduring the less memorable parts.