Gathering with old friends is like finding a treasure trove of memories. Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of reuniting with three of my nursing pals and their partners for a long-overdue catch-up over dim sum. As we settled around a cozy table, memories of our nursing school adventures flooded back as we caught up on where everyone was in their careers. There was a significant sense of nostalgia. I went into Emergency, Ricky went into Surgical, and Cecilia went into Detox. It was so cool to see how everyone grew almost 1 year after graduating.
Because we haven't seen each other in months, we were all so eager to update each other on everything that's happened post-graduation: specialty training, moving nursing units, and future plans. It felt as though no time had gone by at all. We laughed until our stomachs hurt, reminiscing about the good old days and celebrating each other's successes. It was a moment of pure joy, surrounded by people who have been together through thick and thin.
As we said our goodbyes, promising to do this again soon, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with old friends. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, and being in a career where you're placed in high-stress situations everyday, these moments of connection remind us of the importance of nurturing relationships and cherishing the bonds that sustain us. We did end up going to the Rec Room afterwards and played board games at Ricky's for some friendly competition.
Overall, the event brought so much joy. We all needed the break being in a career that is notorious for burn out. Dim sum may have been the reason for our gathering, but it was the laughter, love, and shared memories that made it truly special. The friendships I made in the UBC Nursing program will be cherished for a lifetime. As we parted ways, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the bonds of friendship that transcend time and distance.
Submitted by Yi Qi Zhu, BASc '23
