Title: The Future

This piece was inspired by recent life events experienced by my family or friends. I hope that this piece gives those experiencing tough times the peace of mind and the comfort that they are not alone and that brighter times lie ahead.

LISA SHAH-PATEL, MD, is the Director of Career and Professional Advising at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, warm days at the beach, skiing with her two girls, and traveling.

The unknown, the unturned, the unspoken

So much change, so much fear, so much angst

Broken vision, broken thought, broken heart, broken hope

Breathe, feel, and become entangled within the moment.

Life full of wishes and dreams

Positive thoughts, spiritual beings, and passionate belief

Love, acceptance, wonder, and calm

Breathe, feel, and become entangled within the moment.

Title: A Year in Flowers

Right before the start of 3rd year I stumbled upon a flower arranging event at a botanical garden. I really enjoyed it and decided to get flowers as an occasional treat-usually around the start of a new rotation. It was a simple thing, but the ever-changing pop of color in the apartment would always brighten my day. As I approach the end of third year, recalling the different flower arrangements over the months also brings back memories and reflections of each rotation.

RUOYAN ZHU is a 3rd year medical student interested in neurology. In her spare time she loves drawing, hiking, and visiting art museums. She can often be found in coffee and plant shops around Phoenix.