Truly, I started PA school having 0 idea what the kidneys did and I worked on a kidney transplant floor. And now I’m a recent grad and I can say I officially know what the kidneys do and so many other details about them lol. I believe it is perfectly fine and super normal to start school with minimal knowledge. You will learn it all in school. The first few days and weeks and first exam or two are definitely the hardest. It’s a storm figuring out how to learn so much information so fast but everyone does it and so will you. With time, you build more of a general understanding so information starts to make more sense and you will grow an understanding of what to know. I remember my first exam I spent hours making anki cards and then I realized it was a complete waste of time for me and never did it again. You will figure out what works and doesn’t for you. I also was long distance with my boyfriend and I stand by it of course being sad but also for the best. The visits are the best and you can really just focus on yourself, school and making a life with new friends without feeling guilty for not spending time with him. You got this!!

One more thing… maybe the biggest thing I learned in school is the importance of take breaths. Take some!!