creative nonfiction – Page 2

I’ve reached my academic limit, and it has nothing to do with my brain.

September 4, 2014

I dropped out of my master’s degree program at NCNM after my first year. I’m still in pursuit of my doctorate in naturopathic medicine, but frankly, I’ve been seriously considering dropping out of that program as well. There would be many legitimate reasons for quitting: It’s too difficult, I can’t keep my grades up, I’m … More I’ve reached my academic limit, and it has nothing to do with my brain.

The time I thought it was tuberculosis.

July 6, 2014

This is part of my ongoing summer project: Stumbling Through First Year I assumed that each little piece of information I picked up during my medical education at NCNM would be another little tool in my tool belt. Every time I learned something, I would be able to apply it to a medical context. Slowly, … More The time I thought it was tuberculosis.

The time I realized that I’m not special.

July 2, 2014

Being accepted into the ND program at NCNM was an exciting time for me. I received a lot of personalized attention from the staff at NCNM. They called sporadically to give me information and make sure I didn’t have any questions before moving to Portland. I had going-away parties in my honor. I went to … More The time I realized that I’m not special.

The beauty of finding the ugly.

May 25, 2014

A while back, I got dumped by a girl. We’d been dating for almost three years. I was devastated. I knew I had to break the news to my parents at some point, so I called them up, took a deep breath and dropped the bomb on them. My mom sounded a bit distracted, like … More The beauty of finding the ugly.

Someone knocked the happy out of me.

April 28, 2014

I’m a student. I spend my days listening, thinking, learning, absorbing. At school, I’m quiet. I’m reflective. I’m reserved. I slowly and methodically think through everything. My only priority during the school day is to fill my brain with as much knowledge and insight as I possibly can. And that’s what I do. I quietly … More Someone knocked the happy out of me.

How I came to enjoy getting punched in the face.

February 23, 2013

When I was in grade school, the town bully took my very favorite hat right off my head. It was raining. He taunted me and pushed me around. He said all I had to do was punch him and he’d give me my hat back. At 12 years old, I already had a strong conviction … More How I came to enjoy getting punched in the face.

James is Trying

Stories about my efforts.

Tag: creative nonfiction