“I already envision a future

that is full of hope.”

Dr. Amy Acton

I took this photograph of daffodils from my yard in April of 2014. It had been an especially hard winter, however, I remember fondly how these ruffled flowers perched on my dining room table and brought me profound comfort that spring. Especially in the morning light.

Very encouraged by our leaders in Ohio through these last couple weeks, and proud of their dedication to science that is shaping their policy in regard to COVID-19 with the goal to save as many lives as we can. This is a combination of Dr. Acton’s quote with a story Gov. DeWine shared about daffodils in regards to his father. I wanted to remember how they both have inspired me.

Dr Amy Acton COVID19 Quote I envision a future that is full of hope by Andrea Molina TetherandFly.com

My classes have fully transitioned to online formats for almost two weeks, and my research has moved from the bench to my iPad. We are shifting our focus from in vivo experiments to writing a review paper this spring. Everything has been quite an abrupt adjustment, but we are doing the best we can. My plans for studying for the MCAT and medical school application dates are up in the air (not if this will happen, but when is the best time for this to happen) as we see what unfolds in the next couple months in regards to how I can finish my masters thesis.

Today was one of the first true days of spring in Ohio. I ate a big scoop of it by walking in the warm afternoon sun and reading papers outside on our swing. Wishing us all more of this. Take care everyone.

-Andrea

The last decade was full of transformation. As much as I would like to believe it was because of my ambition, the changes began because I didn’t have a choice. I was backed in a corner and had to fight my way out.

At the onset of this decade, I was a mama of a three-year-old Kevin, pregnant with Damian, photographer, and an Air Force wife. I’m ending it in my second year of graduate school in physiology + neuroscience, with my sons growing at my side as I move forward with applying to medical school as a single mom. It was heartbreak, but that was eclipsed by love, growth, and resilience.

The lessons were unlike anything I expected, but in the process I was introduced to an essential part of myself that I will never let go of. While I’m responsible for my own decisions and behavior, I could not be where I am without my family, especially my mom.

I will never take another’s man's name, but I decided to honor the role my mom has played in my life by taking her maiden name. After thinking about it for a couple of years, I applied to have my last name changed to Andrea Molina. They set my court date for September 11, 2019, and I walked out of that room with tears in my eyes after the judge enthusiastically agreed to make it official. When I first moved out during my divorce, I couldn’t sign a lease on an apartment because I wasn’t used to having power over my own choices. I was married at a young age, and trained to defer decisions to another person.

Now I’ve named myself and thanked this decade for bringing us where we are.