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Health and Wellness

Allied Health? What Is That?

Do what you love and love what you do.

Caitlyn Barbieri

Jan 02, 2017

Brandon, Florida

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“So allied health, is that nursing or pre-med?”

“You know you’re gonna have to go through like 8 years of school right?”

“Wow I bet your student debt is going to be so high!”

“I’m so glad I’m not studying what you are. You’re slaving over your work!”

These are only some of the things I hear along with a confused look and the awkward head tilt, when I tell people I’m an allied health major or that I’m studying to be a physician assistant. For all of you who don't know what allied health is, it's defined by the dictionary as "asegmentofhealthcareprofessionscomprisedof specialized occupationsthatrequirecertification,includingphysicaltherapists, dentalhygienists,socialworkers,speechtherapists,nutritionists,etc., butnotincludingdoctors,nurses,anddentists."

For me, it’s not about the difficulty of my workload or classes. It’s about dreaming of a career I aspire to have while loving what I’ll be doing. It’s not about the money or the amount of school I have to go through, but it's for my own personal satisfaction. It doesn’t matter how hard my classes may be or how many hours I have to spend memorizing muscles and organs or trying to comprehend organic chemistry, because I know in the end it won’t matter as long I’m enjoying my job everyday.

Don’t get me wrong, every position in the medical field plays an important role and each one piggybacks off one another, but I want to do something that isn’t a generic “doctor” or “surgeon.” That’s why people give me a weird look when I tell them I want to be a physician assistant. Many times people don’t even know what a PA consists of when I mention it. I’m determined to reach where I want to be and I won’t let a few confused stares stop me from doing that.

No matter how many obstacles us allied health majors face, we always come out with a reward and valuable life lessons and I can’t be more thankful to love what I’m studying. It’s all going to pay off in the end and I encourage everyone who’s studying something in the medical field not to give up, to prove everyone wrong, and to be super nerdy about science because what’s better than that?!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Allied Health? What Is That?

Do what you love and love what you do.

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No, I can't help you.

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

4. Having the same conversations over and over again! To be honest I really don't even want to talk to you right now, or have this fake ass smile on my face!

5. Always having to have a smile on your face. I promise I'm not as happy as I may look!

6. Customers not understanding that sometimes, mistakes happen. I am a human being, we all mess up sometimes!

7. Having the boss from hell, it's their way or the highway! Even though I did my job correctly and efficiently, if I don't do it the exact way you do, I'm a piece of shit.

8. Having coworker who don't help out, who bend the rules just enough to screw you over.

9. Having to be at work after closing because a customer is taking forever and half! Not like I'd like to go home or anything!

10. Having shitty hours and more shifts than you asked for. Just because we don't have enough workers, doesn't mean I want to pick up every shift that you cant cover, oh great boss of mine!

11. Not having time for a social life. It gets old saying, "I can't I have work..." Every day of the week!

12. Having that lazy costumer who can't do anything for themselves... no please I'll get that, it's no problem at all!

It's just my face, I swear.

1. When you meet new people, they automatically assume you hate them or are rude.

2. People are constantly asking you if you're OK.

3. After being friends with someone for a while, they confess to you, "I thought you were so mean when I first met you," or, "I thought you hated me."

4. You get told to smile more, but they don't understand how scary that would be.

5. You're always labeled as seeming "judgy."

6. Passing a friend with your RBF in full force and not realizing you just shot them a death glare.

7. Being sarcastic, but everyone thinks you're outright rude.

8. Not knowing how mean you really look until you see a picture of yourself in resting face.

9. Your apologies never sound sincere because of your emotionless face.

10. Your "mad face" scares you.

11. And, lastly, people are constantly asking you if you are happy or having a good time because you look bored to death.

Please hold your blonde joke.

1. "Is Elle Woods your spirit animal?"

2. "Is that your natural hair color?"

3. "Oh wow, you get good grades at school?"

4. "You must really like the color pink!"

5. "You’re probably not into sports, right?"

6. "You must have such a bubbly personality."

7. "Your wardrobe must consist of all things preppy."

8. "What sorority are you in?"

9. "You were probably a cheerleader in high school."

10. "You look like you’re from L.A. because your hair is so light."

11. "You definitely like Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks!"

12. "Do you actually think blondes have more fun?"

13. "You must encompass the typical “white girl” stereotype."

14. "Is that daddy’s credit card you’re using?"

15. "So all of your friends are blonde too?"

16. "I’m surprised about you; I thought you would be a lot ditsier."

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

11. You embarrass yourself somehow.

12. You get the present you really wanted but thought no one would get you.

13. You are a little sad about getting older.

14. That feeling wears off and you realize how happy you are to have family and friends to celebrate this day with you.

15. The morning after your birthday looks something like this.

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