KalpyWrites

September began with a sad farewell as we said goodbye to the sweetest (and quite possibly the cutest) member of our family, Champ Katta. He left us at 11 years old on August 31st, due to a ruptured sarcoma with liver metastases. His passing was sudden, unexpected, and devastating. The house feels emptier now, almost as if it’s grown in size. Yet, amid this sadness, there’s comfort in knowing that Champ lived his life to the fullest. Every day was a “Carpe Diem” moment for him. He thrived on seeing how many treats he could charm out of us, how many butt scratches he’d rack up, and how many things he could sniff in the backyard.

We were fortunate enough to be there in his final moments, and that’s a gift we’ll always cherish. The best dog ever didn’t have to suffer, and I know he felt our love until the end. I’ll miss him every day, but Champ’s legacy isn’t one of sadness; it’s about the joy he brought into our lives.

Champ taught me many things. He taught me responsibility, curiosity, and the importance of having a routine. But as I continue to reflect on his legacy, the most valuable lesson he imparted was how to truly cherish every moment. No moment was too small or too big for Champ. I’ve never seen a dog happier than when he stumbled upon an empty cereal box or unearthed a random bone in the backyard. Every day was a gift, and he made sure to unwrap it with enthusiasm. His memory now serves as a reminder that each day, no matter how ordinary, is worth experiencing and savoring.

Inspired by Champ’s zest for life, I’ve started to prioritize my own well-being. This past month, I committed to exercising at least six times a week for 45 minutes each session. And guess what? It’s working! My mood, energy, and overall outlook have improved significantly. I’ve been doubling down on running, particularly in Zone 2, as well as strength training 3 times per week. Exercise has become just as important as brushing my teeth (and don’t worry, I haven’t taken any days off on that front). With October ahead—residency interviews, my 25th birthday, and a vacation—I’m determined to keep this momentum going.

Submitting my residency applications felt like a HUGE weight lifted off my shoulders. It was a wave of relief. It’s funny, though—it feels like déjà vu, almost as if I was just hitting “submit” on my med school applications yesterday. You’d think that after doing this process a few times, it would get easier, but that’s simply not true. However, the challenges we face on the road to becoming who we are meant to be do get better. As a premed, you wonder if you can even get into medical school. In your early years, you question if you can pass those exams. Then come the boards. And now, here I am, trying to figure out where I’ll end up for residency. But believe me, I’d much rather have this problem than the ones that came before. It truly is a marathon, not a sprint, and patience really is the name of the game.

I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for my incredible parents, who have been my constant sources of support and joy, my brother, who always knows how to make me laugh with encouraging words and hilarious Instagram memes, and my friends, who make life an adventure worth taking. None of this would be possible without you.

As we journey into October, I’m hoping to keep up my fitness routine, hear more good news on the residency front, and celebrate my 25th birthday in style. Here’s to an amazing month ahead, full of life, laughter, and love—just the way Champ would have wanted it.