blank'/> A LITTLE BIT OF LACQUER: FAQ

FAQ

If you have a question that isn't answered here, send me it using my contact form!

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I'm from Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball, the site of Shays' Rebellion, and the home of Dr. Seuss! And a lot of more dreary things (like making the FBI's Top 25 most dangerous cities list) that just make me more proud of where I come from.

WHAT COLLEGE DID YOU ATTEND?
I went to Smith College (go Smithies)!! For those who haven't heard of it, it's an all women's liberal arts college, one of the original Seven Sisters, and just all around awesome. I went because 1) they gave me a full ride, and 2) they had amazing science faculty and opportunities there that were readily available even to first years (you can read a little more about my mentorship here). Would 100% recommend to anyone ever considering it and I'm always happy to talk about Smith!

HOW DID YOU GET TO HARVARD MED SCHOOL? ANY ADVICE FOR PRE-MEDS?
That's a long, long story, but suffice it to say I had many unexpected experiences with death and suffering from an early age, and soon realized that a lot of it had to do with our socioeconomic status and background. And I wasn't ok with that. Eventually I realized I was good at science (thanks to one teacher, read more here), I loved it actually, and then I knew I had to be a doctor and listen to and help those patients it seemed no one else could hear. How did I end up at Harvard? Luck, a really good story, a good personality (although I'm a little biased), and a hell of a lot of hard work. My advice for those of you interested in med school? Learn how to manage your time - it's the most important thing we have and we never seem to have enough of it. Shadow as many doctors as you can to find out if you like it, and don't get stressed! I like to look up at the stars now and then and remember how meaningless my life really is in the grand scheme of things (the stars put everything in perspective). That might sound horrible, but it really helps me stay grounded and stress-free so that my life can be meaningful and I can help people! Medicine and the path to it isn't for the faint of heart, so learning how to deal with stress early on is critical to success (or at least to happiness). Check out the medicine section of the blog for more on all things med school!

HOW DO YOU MAKE TIME FOR ALL OF THE STUFF YOU DO? 
I always write down everything that needs to get done (keeping it all in your head will drive you crazy), and plan my days accordingly. I also don't sweat the small stuff, and don't feel the need to be perfect. A lot of students study for hours and hours and don't sleep or take care of themselves, thinking they need to sacrifice a few years of their life to get where they want to be. I work hard, but I'd be pretty pissed if I died tomorrow and spent all my time working and putting my life on hold. And my own experiences in life have taught me that tomorrow really isn't promised. So I live with that in mind ;)

HOW DID YOU AND N MEET?
We actually met while interviewing for med school at Columbia, and then again at Harvard's revisit weekend. We were just friends for the start of medical school until a friend knocked some sense into us (thanks Kev)! Read more of our story and our wedding details here

WHAT IS YOUR ETHNICITY?
I'm Puerto Rican and African American.

HOW OLD ARE YOU?
I'm 29 :)

WHEN DID YOU HAVE YOUR KIDS? 
I had Liv in between third and fourth year of medical school during my research year (read more here). I had Elli during intern year (read more here) and Ro towards the end of my first year of advanced dermatology training (so 2013, 2015, 2017).

WHEN WOULD YOU RECOMMEND HAVING KIDS?
Honestly, I think people place WAY too much emphasis on when to have kids. Granted, it's a huge decision and not one that should be taken lightly, BUT, guess what people seem to forget? The next 18+ years of actually raising a child!!! So while there may be times it may or may not be easier to be *pregnant* and take some time off for maternity leave, nothing gets much easier after kids. So the most important thing is having a supportive partner, and being ready for anything. Having kids changes your life and was the best decision I ever made. But honestly there's no good time to have them (at least in medical training). The best time for me personally was during medical school since that is when we were most flexible and had fewer responsibilities - but many people don't have a partner at that time. It also means that the rest of your training you'll have a kid (read some study tips for moms here). Residency is doable but the schedule gets tighter and you feel more pressure to be back to work given the strain on your colleagues because of your absence. Fellowship all depends on what you do for fellowship, but for most this isn't a great time since it's such a focused period of training, so missing even a couple of months makes a big difference (most are only 1 or 2 years). As an attending (i.e., finally "on your own") you come to learn that you still aren't in much control of your time and still have to figure out when is best to go out on maternity leave. And by this time most people on the traditional medical route (I didn't take much time off) are already into their 30s and over.

WHO TAKES CARE OF YOUR KIDS WHEN YOU'RE AT WORK?
We've done every form of childcare imaginable - from a small home daycare, to a large daycare, to a full-time nanny, to N's mom living with us for almost 1 year (intern year), and now we have all 3 at the same daycare/preschool (they have classrooms for 3 months up to 5 years). The school is INCREDIBLE - sends daily emails, provides snacks and meals for the kids, do activities, have flexible hours including after hours and have video monitoring that I can access on my phone and peek in on the girls any time of the day. It's not cheap, but for me it's more than worth it. We also have a babysitter who helps out some mornings if I have to be in particularly early or for date nights, etc. She's a lifesaver. It takes a village, for sure, and it's always harder when that village is made up of "paid" help versus family, but you make it work! If you have family nearby that's probably the easiest solution, but especially in medical training, that's not always possible!

HOW DID YOU PAY FOR CHILDCARE IN MEDICAL SCHOOL? AND A WEDDING?
If you want to be financially responsible you should probably scroll past this topic to the next one and listen to your financial aid advisor. Still reading? Alriiggghtt... I went to undergrad on a full ride (full scholarship) so have absolutely no debt from college. But for medical school, the truth is that you cannot work while in school (some people do during first year), so loans are where all of my money came from. I was lucky in that I was awarded large scholarships from my undergrad and from Harvard, but everything else was still allll loans. I have hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay back. Childcare? Loan money. Out low-budget wedding? Loan money and my parents. Just keeping it real.

Now that I'm actually working as a resident, it's honestly not enough to pay for our rent and childcare for three kids. But thankfully my blog has blossomed into something more than I could have every imagined and the extra income I make on here allows me to pay the rest of our monthly bills. But we've still got tons of loans to pay back. Would rather pay them off sooner rather than later, but I also want to take vacations with the girls etc, so we use more of our money for now. We'll both be making exponentially more money once we finish residency and that's when I'll start worrying about paying back loans. 

WHO TAKES YOUR PICTURES?
For outfit pictures it's either my husband or my tripod :) Our schedules are pretty hectic though, so I'm always amazed when we have time to even think about a mini photoshoot! All other pics I take, many (sadly) on my iPhone (iPhone 7plus) 

WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DO YOU USE?
I use a Canon Rebel T2i or my iPhone. For iPhone editing (ie, to put on Instagram) check out this post I wrote!

HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR COLLAGES?
I don't own Photoshop or any of the expensive programs,  I actually just use Pages for Mac and put collages together - it's very user friendly!  Let me know if your interested in more and maybe I can do a tutorial post! 

40 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Continue the Good job...ur preatty and smart...ur my inspiration of the day :D

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  3. Good job repping for Springfield Laura. Love your blog. Keep it up!

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  4. You are so beautiful.

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  5. Love reading your blog. As a person going through the application process currently, I love seeing someone have a bit of fun while working their ass off. Best of luck to you!

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  6. just stumbled on your blog and I just had to comment - i'm from MA also and I love your blog and your story! your being able to balance a challenging career and also keep in touch with your style, all while making it look effortless, is really refreshing to see :) keep it up! xoxo, LIC

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  7. you are doing everything right! i did pre-med at a crazy competitive school and i refused to live in sweatpants and swim in my own cortisol every day - and boy is blogging still cathartic! while i'm still trying to shed the Type A stressing, i'm learning slowly to both take my artistic side seriously and use this personality to my advantage! you inspire me to look at the stars more and to conquer these next few years with a big smile and polished outfits.

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  8. You are an amazing person! I'm currently in Graduate school hoping to attend medical school VERY soon.....at times it seems impossible but reading your blog gives me so much hope and inspiration.....I'm with my high school sweetheart still as well! Good luck and God Bless.

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  9. I came across your blog & it's great!!! I definitely understand the whole studying & not having a life...I lived it for nursing school!!! You have a great & positive blog, so I will keep up with it! Good luck with everything & may God continue to bless you!!!

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  10. Laura! I love this page. I read your blog daily and just today noticed you have an FAQ. I like the star part best i think. It's a good reminder for someone like me who often forgets that whole GRAND scheme thing.

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  11. I'm a new reader and just want to give you MAD PROPS! It is not easy to juggle medical studies and blogging, but I am cheering for you and fighting many of the same battles! Thanks for your honest, heart-felt opinions and posts! Looking forward to future posts :)
    xoxo, Steph
    White Coat Wardrobe

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    1. Thank you much Steph!! Glad to have you along for the ride and will be following your blog too!

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  12. "I... don't feel the need to be perfect. A lot of students study for hours and hours and don't sleep or take care of themselves, thinking they need to sacrifice a few years of their life to get where they want to be." Can you please elaborate a bit on what you specifically mean by that? Do you mean that for you, it's more important to have a full life in med school rather than make a lot of sacrifices just to score extremely high on their boards, etc.?

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  13. I simply love your blog!!!!! It is so creative and well presented. I just love it!!!!

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  14. Love your blog, been following (although never commented) for quite some time. Do you think you'll ever share your workout routine? My sister just had a baby and I know she'd love to shed the weight.

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  15. Hey! Stumbled upon your blog and have to say, it hits all the right spots. I'm currently in medical school and maintain a blog for our Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program (mainly focuses on all those tangential things relating to...but not revolving around...medicine and handling school and real life. you get it). I was wondering if you have, or would be interested in, doing a piece about appropriate but fashionable attire for the clinic? I've been musing over putting something together for appropriate but attractive workplace attire (a lot of our students are fresh out of college and let's just say...sometimes the skirts are shorter than the short coat). Let me know if you have comments, ideas, etc. Have a great day, keep up the excellent work. xoxo, V.

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  16. I always love seeing happy black couples, you guys have such a beautiful family. I just stumbled upon your blog today, and I'm going to start following now, I love it :)

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  17. I can't believe I came across your blog! It's perfect timing! I just graduated from school and I'm now applying to law school...I started a blog but got a little discouraged thinking that I wouldn't be able to focus on law school and blogging at the same time. So great to see someone juggling school and a successful blog (and even motherhood) all at the same time - this is definitely encouraging! Love the blog - keep it up!

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  18. What apps do you use for your collages? The ones you have listed are now paid... :(

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    1. I still use picasa which is still free (at least when I google it)!

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  19. I love your blog simply for the outfits you put together and great tips you post. (my only wish is for a darker font as my middle aged eyes have to squint sometimes to read your posts). But I look forward to your posts. Thanks !

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  20. How old are you? Everything you're doing is amazing!

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  21. Where is your blog template from? Is it possible if you can teach us how to make a blog successfully, basically tips? :) xo

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  22. Hi Laura. I hope you read this. I was just reading some of your posts, and without knowing, tears were falling from my eyes. I'm a pre-med student and freaking out about everything. My GPA most importantly, I didn't have a great freshman year with academics and I really hope to bring it up, any advice would be wonderful. Stay inspirational and thanks so much for deciding to create this blog, best wishes on your growing family. You never know, we might just meet one day if* I become a doctor.

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  23. Just found your blog and I love it! You've inspired me to start a doctor/lifestyle blog of my own :)
    https://prnmdblog.wordpress.com/

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  25. I just found your blog and I love it! I just got accepted to a couple medical schools (I'm still interviewing though) and my fiancé is going to apply next cycle. We plan on getting married during med school and having our first kid maybe my fourth year. I was scared because I didn't know if it was doable but you have inspired us :) I also started a blog a while ago similar to yours (aisaestelle.blogspot.com) so I'm glad it's possible to keep up with a blog while balancing all the hard work and fun things.

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  26. you are amazing and an inspiration. i recently had a baby (7months now - time flies!) and am finally going back to get my MA in psychology after many many years working in the hi tech/ start up sector. stubbled across your blog via bloglovin. thanks so much for making time to write and sharing your knowledge. i deeply appreciate it. you give me hope girl!! keep rockin it mama! your sf mama fan!

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  27. HI Laura! I'm a little new to your blogs, but my sister has been raving about how beautiful your family is and how nice your outfit choices are etc. And I completely agree! And we are both extremely interested in becoming MD's and your post really help us to see the life of a med student and (more recently) a resident! So I just wanted to say thank you so such for posting and I hope you continue to update your Youtube channel because I love you on there too!

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  28. I just stumbled across your blog. I love it, tons of great information! I was wondering if you have any posts or insights on post-bacc pre-med programs and non-traditional medical students.

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  29. How did you pay for med school? I'm not asking to be rude, just out of curiosity as I feel as though I'll be drowning in debt forever!

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    1. A couple of scholarships but mostly loans. Medical school debt isn't the biggest deal, plenty of people are paying of loans responsibly and still living great lives and paying for the other things they want. Read more in my post here http://alittlebitoflacquer.blogspot.com/2014/08/med-school-random-topics.html

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  30. I just wanted to say thank you for being out there. Sometimes I feel like my dream is unattainable and that there aren't mom doctors out there and I should just give up but you give me hope. I had my beautiful princess at the age of 21 and I've wanted to be a doctor since childhood. I can't see myself doing anything else in life. I think the hardest part is not neglecting your child I'm order to follow your dreams. I am currently a senior at Rutgers (1 more semester and I'm done) and it seems overwhelming sometimes but knowing someone has done it before makes me believe that I can do it too. God willing I will be able to make it into medical school and continue to strive for what I want just like you. Thank you for sharing your journey

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  31. Keep up ^^^^^ Rutgers is a great school I got pregnant and had my daughter my senior yr of college

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  32. You are a total inspiration. And not because your life "looks perfect" (f that noise) but because we can all feel your honesty. People like you who not only think but LIVE outside the parameters of what society says is possible are important to know.

    Thank you for sharing your hustle. I too am pursuing a career in healthcare (Certified Nurse Midwife) and being a mama bear to a squad of curly headed kiddos is a simultaneous goal I have. You make me feel like I can do it all (with sacrifices of course).

    Best to you and your beautiful fam.

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  33. Just found your IG page. You're an inspiration. Your family is so very beautiful, and thank you for keeping it real.

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  34. May I ask, how do you maintain your weight?

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  36. I am excited to find your blog. I feel a connection with you. I am PhD in chemistry and professionally dealing with many technical aspects. Blogging is my 'creative outlet'. I borrow your wording here. I found that thereis no clash between science, technology and arts. I'll be very happy if you look at my blog https://onelifemillionshades.wordpress.com/

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I love getting your comments, they make my day! If you have a specific question you want answered, please send me a message by clicking the Contact tab at the top, or even better, contact me on twitter or facebook and I'll get back to you ASAP! Thank you so much for reading!

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