Now, even just days after the Match festivities, I am struck by several important lessons about the whole process:

First, the moment can pass quickly. Plenty of people warned me about the intense emotions, but none told me how rapidly the whole thing would move. It felt like only seconds between the speeches and the paper being torn away from the board. I moved through the crowd to the board and removed my envelope, all without fully realizing it was happening. Seconds later, I was hugging my friends and family, and the uncertainty and nervousness had suddenly given way to relief and joy. The moment was like the first seconds after a dive into a cold pool; I felt the weight of my own feelings before I even realized them.

Second, the event can be as much the reinforcement of the past as it is the beginning of the future. Most know and think of Match Day as the beginning of new chapters in our lives, and in many ways, they are right. But as I embraced, laughed, and exchanged the good news with classmates, I realized how the moment seemed to strengthen my feelings toward them and my desire to stay in close touch going forward. Along my path around the courtyard, I ran into friends with whom I’d shared long study sessions, call nights, difficult cases, and extracurricular activities. I was able to enjoy a few moments with my closest friends from my medical school class. I found myself not only congratulating many of them, but also hoping sincerely that we would continue to stay in touch—in person, for those who’d be in the same city as me; via regular phone or webchat meetings for the others. Ultimately, I knew well in advance that Match Day would be a time to look ahead to residency. But I didn’t know it would stir such a strong sense of camaraderie and the desire to intentionally preserve my meaningful medical school friendships through demanding residency schedules. The thought felt warm against my chest.

Third, and most importantly, Match Day can be a powerful reminder of all the friends, family, and mentors who helped shape us. Some say that no man is an island, and that idea was never truer for me than during Friday’s celebrations. The notification paper only listed my name and the program’s name, but I remembered all the thoughtful letters of recommendation, advice, and input that contributed to that pairing. Several loved ones, friends, and mentors were present, and I was able to look them in the eyes and share from my deep gratitude. I owe long, thankful phone calls or letters to those who were not in attendance. Regardless, they were all in my thoughts almost immediately after I opened my envelope, where they have continued to linger in the hours and days following.

So for now, I will bask in the moment, thankful for the supporters and friends who journeyed through medical school with me. I will replay the moment from Match Day in my mind a few more times, to remember the anticipation and aftermath of it. But after a few days of this, I must stop. I have many letters of appreciation to write.