It would be an understatement to say that my next few weeks will be exceptionally demanding; I need to prepare for my final SAT test, finish three supplemental essays due next week, and study for the fast-approaching final exams. And while holiday break is right around the corner, I still have January-deadline applications and my Senior Capstone project that I will need to dedicate my time to.

Needless to say, I didn’t have a second to lose.

But last week, I began to feel a sharp pain in the back of my jaw.

Upon visiting the dentist, it was discovered that the stinging sensation was the result of a wisdom tooth that had pierced through my gums at an awkward angle. To make matters worse, two other wisdom teeth had mostly emerged on my bottom row in an unparallel manner. With their current trajectory, these wisdom teeth would continue to erupt and eventually collide with adjacent teeth, meaning it was imperative that I have them removed as soon as possible.

With my operation likely scheduled for Thursday, I will have to postpone my final exams and leave school early, as the recovery process may take up to two weeks. This has simultaneously served as both a wake-up call to accomplish as much as possible before my surgery and a primary cause for concern for how I will be able to complete my tasks afterwards.

While I understand that wisdom teeth removal is absolutely necessary, unavoidable, and essential, it couldn’t have been more ill-timed.

PC: Google