UTAH!!
Yeah - I'm as surprised as the rest of you...I really thought it would be Ann Arbor, but after interviewing, weighing the pros and cons, and much thought and prayers, it was clearly Utah. I actually laughed out loud on the flight home as all the thoughts were coming to me and I realized the answer.
I laughed because there is a trend in my life where when I say never, Heavenly Father makes almost a game of making me eat my words...
For example:
1) I will never go to Ricks College (BYU-I): fortunately my dad was inspired and suggested I apply anyway, which I did and got a full ride scholarship. There was no way we could have paid for college otherwise, plus it was there I took anatomy and physiology from one of my most inspiring professors, Dr/Bro. Larry Hibbert and was first introduced and considered the profession of a PA.
2) I will never be one of those Ricks to BYU people: again, fortunately my dad suggested I apply to transfer and was given another scholarship, which, although I lost after the first semester (from enjoying the social life too much), I made wonderful friends, got to be near family, and was started on the path to perhaps go on a mission...
3) I will never be able to go on a mission: Finances were tight and I wondered if I would be able to cut the stresses and strains of mission life and actually contribute to the Lord's work rather than be a liability. Fortunately, I was at BYU, was working as a courier between BYU and SLC and had TONS of time to myself to sit and think, which led to my decision and opened the doors for me to be able to go
4) I will never go to graduate school: Marriage and family were my priority and I wondered if I could cut graduate school. I didn't want a career. But again, fortunately, the Lord gently steered me in the right direction, got me thinking realistically about it, and although there were lots of obstacles in the way, helped me through and opened the door
5) I will never do emergency medicine: Again, I didn't think I was cut out for it and that I wouldn't be able to handle the blood and gore, the past four years prove that one wrong.
6) I will never live in the central US: As graduation from PA school was fast approaching, people frequently would ask, "Where do you want to work when you finish?" I wouldn't have to think long before I could say with confidence, "Anywhere but the central US." So it was shocking to me when Dean Carr from Tulsa, OK called and said he got my resume and they would like to interview me. When did I send my resume to OK?? Best I could figure was that during one of two nights of panic realizing I didn't have a job lined up after graduation, I performed my internet search based on specialty rather than geography and sent it out. I went to interview just as practice. They were paying for it after all. I was offered the job, but told them I was looking at some others, and shortly thereafter was offered two more jobs, one of which I had thought was my dream job in cardiothoracic surgery at Emory Hospital... But then I pulled out a list of things I was looking for in a job I had written months earlier during a late night alone in a German hotel while visiting my parents and the OK job matched every single point. I prayed and the answer was OK. I fasted and the answer was OK. I cried. But I went to OK. It wasn't an easy transition, but it has been a great 4 years of not only professional growth, but also personal growth, and dear friendships.
So...now you can see why, on my flight home late at night from Ann Arbor, MI, I laughed out loud as I remembered stating as I left UT seven years ago..., "I am never moving back to UT...unless the Lord wants me to."
So to all my Utah friends and family, I will see you in 3 weeks! My head is spinning right now since I made the decision just 4 days ago, but they want me to start May 2nd, so it's time to get crackin'!
Analee, one of the biggest pros to Ann Arbor was getting to live close to you and your kiddos, but I figure I'll have a good 6+ months with you in Idaho, so plan on a visit soon!
To those not of UT, I expect you to visit. You have a place to crash anytime :)
