Featured PA Blog: The PA Platform
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I’ve always wanted to have a “blog.” I enjoy writing and learning new skills. After spending much of my college career learning about blogging, wordpress, and the logistics from Pinterest, I finally decided to make the plunge in college. I very briefly had a stint where I created a fashion blog, but I quickly figured out that wasn’t the right path for me! I don’t love having my picture taken, and it’s a lot of work to try to constantly shop and put together new outfits. I’m much more of a leggings and scrubs kind of girl.
After my one week trial of blogging, I wanted to continue, but I wasn’t sure what direction to take. That’s when I took a step back and started to really consider what I was an “expert” on. What did people ask me questions about? Becoming a PA was the first thing that came to mind. I’m a chronic over-researcher, and after going through the arduous process of applying to PA school, I learned so much that I felt could help others. One of my back-up career options was a college advisor because I loved making schedules and mapping out my classmate’s future plans. By creating The PA Platform, I’ve been able to continue living out that dream.
While this idea was born while I was still in undergrad, I started experimenting with blogging platforms at that time, but it fizzled out quickly once I started PA school. I truly admire the PA students who are able to keep it up with school, but I wanted my entire focus on learning to be the best PA possible. That didn’t mean I stopped learning about blogging though. If an interesting article or Pin came up, I couldn’t help but read it.
Fast forward to post-PA school…it took me about 6 months to get comfortable in my job and not feel exhausted when I got home, but then I started to wonder, what’s next? As someone who has always been in school, it felt strange to not have a deadline or test coming up. My husband was busy with medical school, which left me home alone most of the time, and the blog idea started to come back to mind. I told him I wanted to give it a shot, and as with all of my crazy ideas, he jumped on board and actually came up with the name “The PA Platform.”
Then the technical stuff started – creating a website, learning about email lists and social media, and actually writing blog posts. I originally started my blog on WordPress, but about a month in, I was almost frustrated enough to quit. After trying to move a sidebar from the left to the right for 4 hours, I was in tears. I didn’t have the resources to pay someone, but I didn’t want to completely give up. After switching to Squarespace (and moving about 50 blog posts manually), I found a platform that I could work with much better. Squarespace is more intuitive and user friendly, and while I do think WordPress is more diverse, it just was too much for me!
Since starting my blog 4 years ago, it’s just grown and I’ve really seen the need for more information on the PA profession and the type of community that can be found online. It hasn’t been easy, and I’ve certainly experienced burnout, but it’s a great outlet also. I’ve made friends, met so many PAs, and most importantly, helped a ton of pre-PA students take the next step and gain acceptance. I still enjoy the technical stuff, and I haven’t paid anyone to edit or change my website. It’s a great skill to have, and usually I can figure out any changes I need to make from a quick Google search.
I can’t say that blogging is for everyone, but if it’s something you may be interested in, it’s worth trying! There are plenty of options that are free so you can give it a shot, but be prepared to hang in there even when you feel frustrated or tired. And we’re always happy to have guest posts on The PA Platform!
Savanna Perry PA-C is a practicing dermatology physician assistant living and working in Augusta, GA. After attending the University of Georgia for her undergrad degree in 2012, she attended PA school at Augusta University where she graduated in 2014. In her free time, Savanna enjoys exploring her town and traveling with her husband, who is currently an internal medicine resident. She is also the founder of The PA Platform, a popular website for Pre-PA and current PA students.
