Tri 3 Complete! — An Update from Hannah
One year ago, I was packing up my life in Columbia, saying goodbye to my friends, and moving to Chesterfield to start this whole journey.
And now… Tri 3 is done.
Three trimesters down. One year in. Basic sciences (almost) behind me. And I can honestly say I’ve never been more sure that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
I’ve also somehow fallen even more in love with chiropractic… which I didn’t think was possible.
A Mindset Shift: From Doubting to Believing
If Tri 2 was about shifting from wanting to be smart to wanting to be intelligent, then Tri 3 was about something even more personal: overcoming the fear of failure and silencing the voice that whispered, "Are you really good enough to be here?"
The honest answer? Some weeks… I did not feel good enough. Five written exams and a practical one in one week will humble you real fast. At one point, three exams in a week felt normal… five felt like a completely different sport.
Those were the weeks I leaned hard into my faith. Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 11:28–30 went from verses I knew to verses I was literally praying on repeat. Just reminding myself: I’m here for a reason, I’m not doing this alone, and I don’t have to carry everything.
Also—something kind of unexpected happened.
I stopped caring so much about grades. Not in a “I don’t care at all” way, but more like… I started caring more about actually understanding what I was learning and how I’d use it with a real patient someday. And weirdly? That’s when things got easier. And my grades actually got better.
One moment that really stuck with me: I got a way lower score than I expected on a midterm practical. And yeah—practical anxiety is very real and definitely got me that day. But instead of spiraling, I met with my professor, got feedback, and just… put in the work. I ended up getting a perfect score on the final. That felt way more meaningful than any grade—because it was about how I responded, not what happened. That, to me, is growth. Now I can actually laugh about that midterm with my friends… because honestly, life is too short not to.
Tri 3 taught me that I am way more capable than I give myself credit for. Even on those days I’m doubting everything.
What we actually learned (aka it’s not just the spine)
One of the things I keep appreciating more and more is how much chiropractic is about understanding the whole person.
In Missouri, chiropractors are a portal of entry providers, which basically means patients can come to us first. So we have to know a lot more than just musculoskeletal stuff.
This tri was a deep dive into organ systems—cardio, pulmonary, digestive, reproductive, all of it. We learned what “normal” looks like, but more importantly, what isn’t normal and when we need to refer out.
It’s one of those things that keeps reminding me why I chose this.
Here’s a snapshot of what Tri 3 covered:
Anatomy: heart, lungs, digestive, reproductive
Neuro: sensory pathways and how everything communicates
Physiology: how it all actually works together
Pathology: learning how different pathologies present
Diversified: lumbar and thoracic adjusting
Clinical Reasoning & Clinical Methods: Hands down, my favorite classes. These pushed me to connect everything I was learning — anatomy, physiology, pathology — and apply it to real patient presentations.
Simulation Center: Where It All Comes Together
One of my absolute favorite parts of this trimester was our three simulation center days. These are not your average class sessions. The sim center is set up just like our actual clinical adjusting rooms, and during these encounters, we had the opportunity to apply everything we were learning — in real time, with standardized patients presenting with real symptoms.
We took thorough patient histories, applied clinical reasoning to piece together what might be going on, and practiced communicating clearly and confidently. I have grown so much in my ability to take a patient history and communicate clearly with a patient. Every sim center day leaves me excited for the day I get to do this in an actual clinic.
Adjusting = reps on reps on reps
This trimester really drove home one thing: you just need reps. Like… a lot of them. Classmates, friends, my skeleton—anyone/anything that will let me practice. Reps on reps on reps is the only way to develop the feel and confidence that adjusting requires. Think of it like a sport.
One of my favorite moments was actually practicing a lumbar adjustment on my skeleton, Mr. Skelly. Being able to see the motion made everything click in a way lectures never fully did.
Also, having Dr. Meyer take the time to go through adjusting concepts with me has been invaluable. There is something about learning from someone you respect that accelerates everything.
Life Outside the Classroom
Balance is still something I have to be really intentional about… but I’ve gotten better at making space for the things that make me smile, even in the busiest weeks.
Some highlights from outside the classroom this tri:
Verteball (aka Logan’s formal): such a fun night
Meals with friends: honestly some of the best resets
Walks with Dallas, cooking, baking: non-negotiables. My mini Aussie and my kitchen are two of my favorite forms of therapy.
And yes… sourdough update: she’s alive. Barely. But I’ve made a few loaves and shared them, so I’m counting it as a win.
Reflection
One year in, and I can honestly say I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Tri 3 stretched me in every way—academically, emotionally, spiritually. It pushed me on the days I didn’t think I had much left and taught me how to keep going anyway.
Biggest takeaway?
I’m wildly capable.
And I’m just getting started.
Onto Tri 4 🤍