James Carrington

Contemplating on the past week or two I have realized the importance of planning ahead.  In my Medical Humanities class we have been working on an exhibit for the Marriott Library.  Much of the material was due two weeks before the exhibit began.  The reason for this early due date was to ensure that the materials were printed and that there was time to assemble the exhibit before opening day.   Another example of the importance of planning ahead is looking towards upcoming commitments.  Over the summer I need to serve 7-8 hrs a week with Connect2Health, attend 13 freshman orientations, take SPAN 2010/2020, and continue working.  This meant that I was communicating with the director for undergraduate studies the moment I found out that I was offered the position of Peer Mentor for next year's Block U: Medical Humanities course.  I am still working out the finer details, but it feels nice to have communicated my commitments so that I can participate in ...

Today during a training on professionalism and salary negotiation I was reminded of a time about a month ago when I locked my keys in the car.  I was ready to get back into my apartment and had my hands full.  As I approached my door I realized I didn't have my keys with me.  Hastily I went back to my car to discover my keys lying on the passengers seat.  Normally, I wouldn't be too concerned about the dilemma, but after having my bike stolen in this area previously I knew I had to do something about it.  I searched up UTube videos to help, but nothing seemed to be useful enough.  Finally, I swallowed my pride and called a company to help me out.  I was quoted $50 or more.  To me that was too much, so I called another company which quoted $55 and up.  I decided to go back to the first one.  After waiting 45 minutes for someone to show up, he quotes me $135.  Outraged I call back the company that sent him and explained the miscommu...

Theater, acting, and media are key to accessing the cracks of humanity.  Today I was able to watch these situations unfold in two different perspectives.  The first was as I attended the Pioneer Theater production of King Charles III.  This plot examined the way British government works, but also played into the cracks of when it is or is not appropriate to stand up for what one feels is right in their conscience.  King Charles III was strict with his belief in free press and his persistence in sticking with what he felt was right led him to crowning his son William the next king after his mother's passing.  There were many modern connections including the life a teenager wants to live verses the responsibilities adults put on their children to mature. The other media I participated in today was watching the new production of Beauty and the Beast.  It was interesting to see the way that the different characters were portrayed.  Guestan was very self ...

Participation has been was a huge key of my success in High School and I am currently working on becoming more involved at the University of Utah.  Last semester I focused all my service hours with Connect2Health at the 4th Street Clinic here in Salt Lake and learned a lot about how the front desk area works and also how the health care system works for those who cannot afford it.  I have learned about many of the resources in Salt Lake and organizations that are striving to end homelessness.  What constantly amazes me is that these individuals are both content with their life and are looking for a change.  People need help, and it is difficult for many people to ask for it, but Connect2Health gives a great opportunity for people to reach out to them offering to help.  Many of the organizations here in Salt Lake strive to help those that are in most need.  These organizations are the backbone of meeting the basic needs of those in poverty.  However, th...

Now that I've moved away from home I figure it is time to record some of what is going on.  School is busy.  There is lots of homework and there are a lot of opportunities.  I'll be helping out at the 4th Street Clinic up here in Salt Lake starting next year.  I'll be part of the Americorps team which basically includes 300 hrs of service in one year with a $1200 scholarship at the end.  It averages out to about 6 hrs a week which I will do before classes on Wednesday and Friday.  It should be an awesome opportunity. Today I also went to the Salt Lake temple.  It is so nice being so close.  I learned how much a wife can really support her husband in standing up for the right.  Maybe it's just all of the family and humanity classes I'm taking right now but the family really is the central unit for all success.  I look forward to going to the temple more frequently now and as long as I can get my homework done there should be ample oppor...

Today I received results from my final PET/CT scan from yesterday.  After 12 long chemo treatments stretching over almost six months I am finally cancer free!!!  It has been a roller coaster learning to adjust to all of the differences in life that cancer brings.  I have learned from the ups and downs the importance of hope.  It has provided an opportunity to be on the receiving end of other people's charity and compassion.  I have never felt so loved than over the last six months.  I still remember the love from the missionaries in Florida who stopped by the hospital Christmas week, the love from family members after returning home, and the great love I felt from everyone who has stopped by to visit or talk (including those who have reached out through social media).  Here are a few highlights from the last six months (to name just a few): -Mowing/ Edging the Lawn (No better way to remember missionary service, especially because it reminds me of a g...

This picture shoes the blood work from today.  My hair has mostly thinned and I am starting to get used to wearing a Florida Gators baseball cap.  My mouth now tastes like mouthwash all the time, but it isn't too terrible.  The Zaxbys banana pudding milkshake during chemo treatments really helped.  Yesterday I mowed and edged the lawn, my muscles are sore from that and my stomach hasn't yet been fully up to par after drinking several cups of water in succession after finishing the lawn.  It's been getting better and will likely go away before the tiredness.  No nausea pills is the plan again for this time and with only two more chemo treatments the end its in sight.  Thanks for everyone's support.