6 Will Be Doctors

It was my first day on the trail. I hadn't seen anyone until I passed a group of six hikers who were at the time standing and resting. We spoke briefly and I said "you will likely pass me". One replied "not likely." I thought for a while of the six wondering how long before those much younger would pass me. The day went on and I didn't see them. I made camp at a shelter and two hours later they arrived. Then I learned their story.

They were 6 first year med students at UNC at Chapel Hill NC. "Together" one said "we don't make a whole doctor." They were going to hike about 40 miles in three days then leave the trial. It was a spring break for them and they wanted outside.

One said "Med School is bad for your health." No time for exercise and the daily offer of free pizza made each over weight and out of shape. Now I understood their slowness.

I was impressed that they planned well (one had been a boy scout) and shared in the duties of camp. They filled the shelter, carried on with a lot of conversation late and I suppose slept well. We parted ways the next morning.

They were obviously "out of their element". Their attitudes were "congenial, humerous, and humble" I bet they will make great doctors, all 6 of them.