Balance: bal·ance [bal-uhns] noun, verb, -anced,-anc·ing. (noun)

Getting away from the Dental School

1. a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc.
2. something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
3. mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm, behavior, judgment, etc.
4. a state of bodily equilibrium: He lost his balance and fell down the stairs.
5. an instrument for determining weight, typically by the equilibrium of a bar with a fulcrum at the center, from each end of which is suspended a scale or pan, one holding an object of known weight, and the other holding the object to be weighed.

If I’ve learned anything about myself during dental school is that I’ve found I’m the most productive when I’m balanced, in respects to my studies and how I spend my time out of school. “Work hard, play hard” is a quote I’m sure most have heard, however actually making time for yourself is harder than you think. Looking back as D1’s, several classmates and I planned a weekend trip after chatting about our love for skiing. Four years later, we’re still going, and have passed on the tradition to classes below us.

Being able to focus and work hard is a daily commitment for those in dental school, however I find that those who have other interests and passions have the healthiest outlook on how to manage stress. Sure, it’s easy to get caught up in the practicals, test cases, exams, and daily grind of school, however weekends like these are where you can remember who you are, and that’s the person who got into school.

Leading up to this past weekend the snow reports were dismal and logistically trying to coordinate 17 schedules was next to impossible. However, before I knew it, I was stepping into my boots and hiking toward the lift, laughing with my classmates, feeling like a kid again, and with 4 inches of fresh snow glittering on the hill.

2012 Destination: Boyne Highlands, which lies 266 miles north by northwest of Ann Arbor, this year’s crew consisted of 17 people, mostly dental students and significant others, all excited to laugh and have fun.

No matter if you’re perfecting your parallel christie, carving GS turns, learning to hockey stop, or what a pole plant is, having balance is what’s important, in life and while on the slopes. Equally important is being able to laugh and have fun, whether you just witnessed someone yard sale from the chairlift, or attempting to make tomato soup out of hot water and ketchup packets (complete with complementary oyster crackers.)

Steve Davis, D4, is an avid nordic and alpine skier, his home hill is Marquette Mountain and the Noquemanon Trail Network. Loves ski movies and looks forward to his next turns on the hill!