Hello. I just moved to Seattle 2.5 years ago, and since then I’ve found a group of friends.

In my home state I didn’t have any friends in college and it was very isolating. Now that I’m in Seattle, that has all changed and I’m definitely happier than I was. However, that also means I’m less experienced in how to tell if someone is a bad friend or not.

Birthday: for my 29th birthday last year, I decorated my own apartment, made the birthday cake, catered the food, and made the mulled wine. Whenever it’s someone else’s birthday in the group, someone at least bakes the cake for them. And usually they organize a dinner out, or host a party. I had to do it all alone.

Summer 2026: I’m leaving to study abroad in 3 weeks. 5 months ago I was crying to my friends about how scary it is, and that I hope they won’t forget me while I’m gone. They consoled me and supported me. And they said they’d throw a goodbye party for me. Fast forward to last August. I hosted a bonfire last night and one of my friends goes “I guess this can be your sending off party.” And I was so hurt and pissed because that’s so lazy of them. A get together that I intended as just a hangout and bought all the food, suddenly is THEIR goodbye party to me…..

These people have known each other for 7 years and two of them live together. I’m definately still the new kid in the group. So I see why they put in more effort for celebrating each other. But it still sucks.

They’re also the first real friends I’ve ever had. M

i feel like shit. I took a long break from therapy for sexual abuse as a child. I started age until age 26.I took years off. Now I'm 29 and I'm afraid it's too late.

I helped my friends Maria and Karl move in together with my friend Sam. Maria, Karl and Sam were trying to figure out how to put in the air conditioner and Karl was stressed about it. He kind of barked at Sam to back off when the three of them were figuring it out, and Sam was just like "ok I'll let you do it" with his hands in the air. Maria even said to Karl "can you calm down please." idk it just read as really weird to me. Sam and I decided to let the two of them figure it out while we grabbed snacks for everyone. When we got back they installed the two air conditioners successfully. I just don't get why men turn into such d**ks when they're helping with something involving physical labor. My ex boyfriend was the same, when he helped me move he was a absolute jerk. And then when it was over he was back to normal. I helped my friends move many times, to the point where I'm sore for days. I NEVER let out my frustration at anyone even though I'm exhausted lifting heavy things.

A few weeks ago, an ex-guy-friend I was seeing, Trenton 30M , had a scary, jealous explosion that deeply frightened me. I cut him off immediately and confided in our mutual friend (27F) about how unsafe he made me feel. Because I didn't want to cause drama, I explicitly told her, "I don't want you to pick sides." To be fair to her, she is new to the city, isolated, and just escaped a deeply abusive relationship. Her "red flag radar" with men is incredibly warped, and Trenton is one of the few close friends she's made here.

Well, I had to cancel plans with her last weekend because I was sick. She ended up going to the beach with Trenton instead. Not just any beach—the exact spot he and I had planned a romantic date at before his blowout. She hid that she was going with him, but I found out bc he posted pics of them on Instagram laughing and having a blast.

Even though I gave her permission to be neutral, seeing her validate a guy who intimidated me feels like a massive social betrayal. To be clear, she views him platonically as a brother so I'm in no way concerned about them hooking up.

I already invited her to a 4th of July party this weekend with my healthy, core friend group. I'm bothered by this but also I told her she didn't have to choose sides. Do I confront her about the post, or just uninvite her and protect my peace.

Hi everyone,

I’m a 29-year-old living in Medford, MA, working on-site. I have a massive life and career transition coming up: I am heading to Granada, Spain, for a Spanish language immersion program from September 2026 to April 2027.

I want to make sure I am completely optimizing my cash flow, minimizing international fees, and setting myself up for success when I return to the US to pursue graduate school in late 2027.

My Exact Financial Picture:

• Income: $31.60/hour (approx. $65,000/year gross).
• Current Monthly Rent: $1,030/month.
• Estimated Total Monthly Expenses: Around $1398-2000/month
• High-Yield Savings: $26,000 in a CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account (this is my primary cash reserve/moving fund) earning 4.1% APY
• Retirement / Investing: * $9,000 in a Fidelity 403(b) through my current employer.
  • I reduced my contribution from 10% to 2% so I can get more out of my paycheck before Spain.

I'd like to have 32K saved by the time I leave for Spain. While in Spain I'll be living off my savings. When I return April 2027, I'll be able to move back into my current apartment for $1030/month until September 2027. After that, I'd like to find my own apartment.

Given my $26k in savings, is moving a chunk of that short-term cash into a Fidelity Brokerage (SPAXX) the smartest move right now to maximize yield before I leave? Since I will have zero earned income while in Spain from Sept 2026 to April 2027, what should I do with my $9,000 Fidelity 403(b) when I leave my job? Should I roll it over into my Fidelity Roth/Traditional IRA? Can I still legally contribute to my Roth IRA in 2026/2027 if my income drops to zero for part of those calendar years? Also how much should I budget while in Spain.

Hi everyone,

I’m a 29-year-old living in Medford, MA, working on-site. I have a massive life and career transition coming up: I am heading to Granada, Spain, for a Spanish language immersion program from September 2026 to April 2027.

I want to make sure I am completely optimizing my cash flow, minimizing international fees, and setting myself up for success when I return to the US to pursue graduate school in late 2027.

My Exact Financial Picture:

• Income: $31.60/hour (approx. $65,000/year gross).
• Current Monthly Rent: $1,030/month.
• Estimated Total Monthly Expenses: Around $1398-2000/month
• High-Yield Savings: $26,000 in a CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account (this is my primary cash reserve/moving fund) earning 4.1% APY
• Retirement / Investing: * $9,000 in a Fidelity 403(b) through my current employer.
  • I reduced my contribution from 10% to 2% so I can get more out of my paycheck before Spain.

I'd like to have 32K saved by the time I leave for Spain. While in Spain I'll be living off my savings. When I return April 2027, I'll be able to move back into my current apartment for $1030/month until September 2027. After that, I'd like to find my own apartment.

Given my $26k in savings, is moving a chunk of that short-term cash into a Fidelity Brokerage (SPAXX) the smartest move right now to maximize yield before I leave? Since I will have zero earned income while in Spain from Sept 2026 to April 2027, what should I do with my $9,000 Fidelity 403(b) when I leave my job? Should I roll it over into my Fidelity Roth/Traditional IRA? Can I still legally contribute to my Roth IRA in 2026/2027 if my income drops to zero for part of those calendar years? Also how much should I budget while in Spain.

Hi everyone,

I’m a 29-year-old living in Medford, MA, working on-site. I have a massive life and career transition coming up: I am heading to Granada, Spain, for a Spanish language immersion program from September 2026 to April 2027.

I want to make sure I am completely optimizing my cash flow, minimizing international fees, and setting myself up for success when I return to the US to pursue graduate school in late 2027.

My Exact Financial Picture:

• Income: $31.60/hour (approx. $65,000/year gross).
• Current Monthly Rent: $1,030/month.
• Estimated Total Monthly Expenses: Around $1398-2000/month
• High-Yield Savings: $26,000 in a CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account (this is my primary cash reserve/moving fund) earning 4.1% APY
• Retirement / Investing: * $9,000 in a Fidelity 403(b) through my current employer.
  • I reduced my contribution from 10% to 2% so I can get more out of my paycheck before Spain.

I'd like to have 32K saved by the time I leave for Spain. While in Spain I'll be living off my savings. When I return April 2027, I'll be able to move back into my current apartment for $1030/month until September 2027. After that, I'd like to find my own apartment.

Given my $26k in savings, is moving a chunk of that short-term cash into a Fidelity Brokerage (SPAXX) the smartest move right now to maximize yield before I leave? Since I will have zero earned income while in Spain from Sept 2026 to April 2027, what should I do with my $9,000 Fidelity 403(b) when I leave my job? Should I roll it over into my Fidelity Roth/Traditional IRA? Can I still legally contribute to my Roth IRA in 2026/2027 if my income drops to zero for part of those calendar years? Also how much should I budget while in Spain.

Hi everyone,

I’m a 29-year-old living in Medford, MA, working on-site. I have a massive life and career transition coming up: I am heading to Granada, Spain, for a Spanish language immersion program from September 2026 to April 2027.

I want to make sure I am completely optimizing my cash flow, minimizing international fees, and setting myself up for success when I return to the US to pursue graduate school in late 2027.

My Exact Financial Picture:

• Income: $31.60/hour (approx. $65,000/year gross).
• Current Monthly Rent: $1,030/month.
• Estimated Total Monthly Expenses: Around $1398-2000/month
• High-Yield Savings: $26,000 in a CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account (this is my primary cash reserve/moving fund) earning 4.1% APY
• Retirement / Investing: * $9,000 in a Fidelity 403(b) through my current employer.
  • I reduced my contribution from 10% to 2% so I can get more out of my paycheck before Spain.

I'd like to have 32K saved by the time I leave for Spain. While in Spain I'll be living off my savings. When I return April 2027, I'll be able to move back into my current apartment for $1030/month until September 2027. After that, I'd like to find my own apartment.

Given my $26k in savings, is moving a chunk of that short-term cash into a Fidelity Brokerage (SPAXX) the smartest move right now to maximize yield before I leave? Since I will have zero earned income while in Spain from Sept 2026 to April 2027, what should I do with my $9,000 Fidelity 403(b) when I leave my job? Should I roll it over into my Fidelity Roth/Traditional IRA? Can I still legally contribute to my Roth IRA in 2026/2027 if my income drops to zero for part of those calendar years? Also how much should I budget while in Spain.

Hi everyone,

I’m a 29-year-old living in Medford, MA, working on-site. I have a massive life and career transition coming up: I am heading to Granada, Spain, for a Spanish language immersion program from September 2026 to April 2027.

I want to make sure I am completely optimizing my cash flow, minimizing international fees, and setting myself up for success when I return to the US to pursue graduate school in late 2027.

My Exact Financial Picture:

• Income: $31.60/hour (approx. $65,000/year gross).
• Current Monthly Rent: $1,030/month.
• Estimated Total Monthly Expenses: Around $1398-2000/month
• High-Yield Savings: $26,000 in a CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account (this is my primary cash reserve/moving fund) earning 4.1% APY
• Retirement / Investing: * $9,000 in a Fidelity 403(b) through my current employer.
  • I reduced my contribution from 10% to 2% so I can get more out of my paycheck before Spain.

I'd like to have 32K saved by the time I leave for Spain. While in Spain I'll be living off my savings. When I return April 2027, I'll be able to move back into my current apartment for $1030/month until September 2027. After that, I'd like to find my own apartment.

Given my $26k in savings, is moving a chunk of that short-term cash into a Fidelity Brokerage (SPAXX) the smartest move right now to maximize yield before I leave? Since I will have zero earned income while in Spain from Sept 2026 to April 2027, what should I do with my $9,000 Fidelity 403(b) when I leave my job? Should I roll it over into my Fidelity Roth/Traditional IRA? Can I still legally contribute to my Roth IRA in 2026/2027 if my income drops to zero for part of those calendar years? Also how much should I budget while in Spain.

When my 25F roommate gets stressed about something in her life, she’ll scream at the top of her lungs in her bedroom. While screaming she’ll throw things and hit the walls. It’s very loud. We have neighbors with a baby who live downstairs and I’m worried they’ll call the police, bc when she screams it sounds like a woman being murdered. But when she comes out of her room it’s like she’s normal again and nothing happened. My other roommate and I are thinking of having a house meeting about roommate boundaries and that screaming is not ok. I’m a little nervous bc she might freak out we’re confronting her. Is this the best course of action?

When my 25F roommate gets stressed about something in her life, she’ll scream at the top of her lungs in her bedroom. While screaming she’ll throw things and hit the walls. It’s very loud. We have neighbors with a baby who live downstairs and I’m worried they’ll call the police, bc when she screams it sounds like a woman being murdered. But when she comes out of her room it’s like she’s normal again and nothing happened. My other roommate and I are thinking of having a house meeting about roommate boundaries and that screaming is not ok. I’m a little nervous bc she might freak out we’re confronting her. Is this the best course of action?

Looking for a brutal reality check on financial risk vs. premed strategy.

My Profile:

• 29F, low-income background. Took a slow path to graduation (2022) because I had to work heavy hours.
• Stats: 3.0 cGPA (sGPA is slightly higher). Pre-med reqs done. B.S. Psych/Spanish.
• EC: Clinical Lab Assistant II at Mass General Hospital (MGH).
• Immediate Plan: Leaving this September for a 7-month pre-paid language immersion in Granada, Spain to finish clinical fluency. Will have $30k saved in a HYSA.

The Fork in the Road for 2027 (When I return):

• Option 1: Tufts Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS)
  • The Cost: Official cost sheet shows $62,722 tuition and $95,394 total COA for 10 months, plus a $10k summer thesis fee.
  • The Funding Trap: Now that Grad PLUS loans are discontinued for new borrowers, I am capped at $20,500/year in federal loans. This leaves a massive ~$74k gap for Year 1. I’d have to completely wipe out my $30k savings and take out massive, high-interest private student loans with a co-signer.
  • Pros/Cons: Hard "GPA eraser" M1 curriculum, but forces me into predatory private debt.
• Option 2: Europubhealth+ (Erasmus Mundus MPH)
  • The Cost: Highly competitive full scholarship provides a €1,400/mo stipend. Even if self-funded, total international tuition is only ~€18,000 ($19.5k USD) for the entire 2 years. Standard federal loans ($20,500/yr) completely cover tuition and leave cash to live on.
  • Pros/Cons: Zero private debt, protects my savings, adds a massive "bilingual global health" X-factor. But, it does not repair my 3.0 undergrad GPA for US admissions committees.

The Question: At my age (entering med school at 31-33), is taking out private loans for Tufts MBS a financial trap? Can top-tier hospital clinical hours + Spanish fluency + a European MPH successfully outweigh a 3.0 GPA, or will I get screened out everywhere without a US science master's?

Looking for a brutal reality check on financial risk vs. premed strategy.

My Profile:

• 29F, low-income background. Took a slow path to graduation (2022) because I had to work heavy hours.
• Stats: 3.0 cGPA (sGPA is slightly higher). Pre-med reqs done. B.S. Psych/Spanish.
• EC: Clinical Lab Assistant II at Mass General Hospital (MGH).
• Immediate Plan: Leaving this September for a 7-month pre-paid language immersion in Granada, Spain to finish clinical fluency. Will have $30k saved in a HYSA.

The Fork in the Road for 2027 (When I return):

• Option 1: Tufts Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS)
  • The Cost: Official cost sheet shows $62,722 tuition and $95,394 total COA for 10 months, plus a $10k summer thesis fee.
  • The Funding Trap: Now that Grad PLUS loans are discontinued for new borrowers, I am capped at $20,500/year in federal loans. This leaves a massive ~$74k gap for Year 1. I’d have to completely wipe out my $30k savings and take out massive, high-interest private student loans with a co-signer.
  • Pros/Cons: Hard "GPA eraser" M1 curriculum, but forces me into predatory private debt.
• Option 2: Europubhealth+ (Erasmus Mundus MPH)
  • The Cost: Highly competitive full scholarship provides a €1,400/mo stipend. Even if self-funded, total international tuition is only ~€18,000 ($19.5k USD) for the entire 2 years. Standard federal loans ($20,500/yr) completely cover tuition and leave cash to live on.
  • Pros/Cons: Zero private debt, protects my savings, adds a massive "bilingual global health" X-factor. But, it does not repair my 3.0 undergrad GPA for US admissions committees.

The Question: At my age (entering med school at 31-33), is taking out private loans for Tufts MBS a financial trap? Can top-tier hospital clinical hours + Spanish fluency + a European MPH successfully outweigh a 3.0 GPA, or will I get screened out everywhere without a US science master's?

I’m a Clinical Lab Assistant currently working in a microbiology lab. I’ve been offered a promotion to an evening CLT position, but the conversation was… strange.

When my manager (let's call her sara) offered me the role, she didn’t congratulate me. Instead, she said: "I have strong reservations with you being in this position because there have been instances where your focus hasn’t been great. Even though I haven't heard anything recently, because of your past mistakes, I have strong reservations. If you make a mistake as a CLT, there will be corrective action."

She didn’t provide a support plan or any specific goals to help me succeed in the new role. It felt less like a promotion and more like a warning that she’ll be watching me closely to catch a mistake.
For context, I know she has a reputation for making other employees feel defensive, and she rarely provides positive reinforcement.

Why would a manager frame a promotion this way?
Should I even take the new position? Also, HR is only offering me 25 cents more for it….

I’m a Clinical Lab Assistant currently working in a microbiology lab. I’ve been offered a promotion to an evening CLT position, but the conversation was… strange.

When my manager (let's call her sara) offered me the role, she didn’t congratulate me. Instead, she said: "I have strong reservations with you being in this position because there have been instances where your focus hasn’t been great. Even though I haven't heard anything recently, because of your past mistakes, I have strong reservations. If you make a mistake as a CLT, there will be corrective action."

She didn’t provide a support plan or any specific goals to help me succeed in the new role. It felt less like a promotion and more like a warning that she’ll be watching me closely to catch a mistake.
For context, I know she has a reputation for making other employees feel defensive, and she rarely provides positive reinforcement.

Why would a manager frame a promotion this way?
Should I even take the new position? Also, HR is only offering me 25 cents more for it….

I’m 29F and currently work as a Clinical Lab Assistant II at Massachusetts General Hospital. I graduated in 2022 with a BS in Psychology and Spanish, and also premed  after taking a longer path through school due to financial circumstances. I worked throughout undergrad, often full-time, which meant taking fewer classes each semester and struggling academically at times. I graduated with a 3.0 GPA, although my science GPA is somewhat higher. I also completed all of my pre-med requirements. 

One important piece of context: I studied abroad in Granada, Spain when I was 23, but the pandemic cut the experience short. Ever since then, I’ve dreamed of going back and finally becoming fluent in Spanish. I’m now set to study there from September 2026–April 2027, and I’ve already paid for tuition and housing. 

The crossroads comes after I return to Boston: 

Tufts School of Medicine: MS in Biomedical Sciences: 

—1–2 year program

—Would strengthen my academic profile for medical school

—Likely the more strategic route if my ultimate goal is becoming a physician

—But expensive, and I’d likely be taking on more debt sooner

The Europubhealth+ Programme: 

—2-year international public health master’s

—One year in Granada, one year in Ireland

—Includes a stipend

—Honestly feels like a dream opportunity

—But I worry it could delay or complicate my path to medicine

Part of this decision is also financial. I grew up low income and financial insecurity has always shaped my choices. Since I likely won’t be able to work much during medical school, part of me feels pressure to work/save more beforehand and build more stability first.
Right now my heart is pulled toward the MPH and living abroad again, but is also pulled towards studying my passion at Tufts. Medicine is truly the goal. I think the main attractive thing about Europubhealth is I love living abroad. If medicine is the main goal should I just go straight into Tufts? Or continue travelling and studying around Europe? 
I’d genuinely appreciate hearing other perspectives.
I have 25K in savings rn after already paying the Spain tuition and rent for 7 months. I plan to bring it back up to 30K by the time I leave this coming September. I currently make $30.88/hr but I’m going to donate the shit out of my plasma and also do paid research studies

I’m 29F and currently work as a Clinical Lab Assistant II at Massachusetts General Hospital. I graduated in 2022 with a BS in Psychology and Spanish, and also premed  after taking a longer path through school due to financial circumstances. I worked throughout undergrad, often full-time, which meant taking fewer classes each semester and struggling academically at times. I graduated with a 3.0 GPA, although my science GPA is somewhat higher. I also completed all of my pre-med requirements. 

One important piece of context: I studied abroad in Granada, Spain when I was 23, but the pandemic cut the experience short. Ever since then, I’ve dreamed of going back and finally becoming fluent in Spanish. I’m now set to study there from September 2026–April 2027, and I’ve already paid for tuition and housing. 

The crossroads comes after I return to Boston: 

Tufts School of Medicine: MS in Biomedical Sciences: 

—1–2 year program

—Would strengthen my academic profile for medical school

—Likely the more strategic route if my ultimate goal is becoming a physician

—But expensive, and I’d likely be taking on more debt sooner

The Europubhealth+ Programme: 

—2-year international public health master’s

—One year in Granada, one year in Ireland

—Includes a stipend

—Honestly feels like a dream opportunity

—But I worry it could delay or complicate my path to medicine

Part of this decision is also financial. I grew up low income and financial insecurity has always shaped my choices. Since I likely won’t be able to work much during medical school, part of me feels pressure to work/save more beforehand and build more stability first.
Right now my heart is pulled toward the MPH and living abroad again, but is also pulled towards studying my passion at Tufts. Medicine is truly the goal. I think the main attractive thing about Europubhealth is I love living abroad. If medicine is the main goal should I just go straight into Tufts? Or continue travelling and studying around Europe? 
I’d genuinely appreciate hearing other perspectives.
I have 25K in savings rn after already paying the Spain tuition and rent for 7 months. I plan to bring it back up to 30K by the time I leave this coming September. I currently make $30.88/hr but I’m going to donate the shit out of my plasma and also do paid research studies

I’m 29F and currently work as a Clinical Lab Assistant II at Massachusetts General Hospital. I graduated in 2022 with a BS in Psychology and Spanish, and also premed  after taking a longer path through school due to financial circumstances. I worked throughout undergrad, often full-time, which meant taking fewer classes each semester and struggling academically at times. I graduated with a 3.0 GPA, although my science GPA is somewhat higher. I also completed all of my pre-med requirements. 

One important piece of context: I studied abroad in Granada, Spain when I was 23, but the pandemic cut the experience short. Ever since then, I’ve dreamed of going back and finally becoming fluent in Spanish. I’m now set to study there from September 2026–April 2027, and I’ve already paid for tuition and housing. 

The crossroads comes after I return to Boston: 

1. Tufts School of Medicine: MS in Biomedical Sciences: 
   1. 1–2 year program
   2. Would strengthen my academic profile for medical school
   3. Likely the more strategic route if my ultimate goal is becoming a physician
   4. But expensive, and I’d likely be taking on more debt sooner
2. The Europubhealth+ Programme: 
   1. 2-year international public health master’s
   2. One year in Granada, one year in Ireland
   3. Includes a stipend
   4. Honestly feels like a dream opportunity
   5. But I worry it could delay or complicate my path to medicine

Part of this decision is also financial. I grew up low income and financial insecurity has always shaped my choices. Since I likely won’t be able to work much during medical school, part of me feels pressure to work/save more beforehand and build more stability first.

Right now my heart is pulled toward the MPH and living abroad again, but is also pulled towards studying my passion at Tufts. Medicine is truly the goal. I think the main attractive thing about Europubhealth is I love living abroad. If medicine is the main goal should I just go straight into Tufts? Or continue travelling and studying around Europe? 

I’d genuinely appreciate hearing other perspectives.

I’m 29F and currently work as a Clinical Lab Assistant II at Massachusetts General Hospital. I graduated in 2022 with a BS in Psychology and Spanish, and also premed  after taking a longer path through school due to financial circumstances. I worked throughout undergrad, often full-time, which meant taking fewer classes each semester and struggling academically at times. I graduated with a 3.0 GPA, although my science GPA is somewhat higher. I also completed all of my pre-med requirements. 

One important piece of context: I studied abroad in Granada, Spain when I was 23, but the pandemic cut the experience short. Ever since then, I’ve dreamed of going back and finally becoming fluent in Spanish. I’m now set to study there from September 2026–April 2027, and I’ve already paid for tuition and housing. 

The crossroads comes after I return to Boston: 

1. Tufts School of Medicine: MS in Biomedical Sciences: 
   1. 1–2 year program
   2. Would strengthen my academic profile for medical school
   3. Likely the more strategic route if my ultimate goal is becoming a physician
   4. But expensive, and I’d likely be taking on more debt sooner
2. The Europubhealth+ Programme: 
   1. 2-year international public health master’s
   2. One year in Granada, one year in Ireland
   3. Includes a stipend
   4. Honestly feels like a dream opportunity
   5. But I worry it could delay or complicate my path to medicine

Part of this decision is also financial. I grew up low income and financial insecurity has always shaped my choices. Since I likely won’t be able to work much during medical school, part of me feels pressure to work/save more beforehand and build more stability first.

Right now my heart is pulled toward the MPH and living abroad again, but is also pulled towards studying my passion at Tufts. Medicine is truly the goal. I think the main attractive thing about Europubhealth is I love living abroad. If medicine is the main goal should I just go straight into Tufts? Or continue travelling and studying around Europe? 

I’d genuinely appreciate hearing other perspectives.

I’m 29F and currently work as a Clinical Lab Assistant II at Massachusetts General Hospital. I graduated in 2022 with a BS in Psychology and Spanish, and also premed  after taking a longer path through school due to financial circumstances. I worked throughout undergrad, often full-time, which meant taking fewer classes each semester and struggling academically at times. I graduated with a 3.0 GPA, although my science GPA is somewhat higher. I also completed all of my pre-med requirements. 

One important piece of context: I studied abroad in Granada, Spain when I was 23, but the pandemic cut the experience short. Ever since then, I’ve dreamed of going back and finally becoming fluent in Spanish. I’m now set to study there from September 2026–April 2027, and I’ve already paid for tuition and housing. 

The crossroads comes after I return to Boston: 

1. Tufts School of Medicine: MS in Biomedical Sciences: 
   1. 1–2 year program
   2. Would strengthen my academic profile for medical school
   3. Likely the more strategic route if my ultimate goal is becoming a physician
   4. But expensive, and I’d likely be taking on more debt sooner
2. The Europubhealth+ Programme: 
   1. 2-year international public health master’s
   2. One year in Granada, one year in Ireland
   3. Includes a stipend
   4. Honestly feels like a dream opportunity
   5. But I worry it could delay or complicate my path to medicine

Part of this decision is also financial. I grew up low income and financial insecurity has always shaped my choices. Since I likely won’t be able to work much during medical school, part of me feels pressure to work/save more beforehand and build more stability first.

Right now my heart is pulled toward the MPH and living abroad again, but is also pulled towards studying my passion at Tufts. Medicine is truly the goal. I think the main attractive thing about Europubhealth is I love living abroad. If