I stepped foot on the island, unaware of what the next 39 days will hold. I recounted the advice I sought out prior to this adventure.
“Remember to not step on anyone’s toes.”
“Don’t be a burden. Be proactive.”
“Read the room.”
I wandered about my new home, using a map to guide me to my assigned tribe. I stepped foot into camp; a windowless room filled with scattered computers, rolling chairs, and an overfilling trash can with empty coffee cups.
Every seat with a desk and computer was taken. I managed to eye an empty chair in the far corner of the room.
Ok, it has been an awkward amount of time since you entered, and no one has said anything. Introduce yourself.
“Hi! I am the third-year medical student.”
The tribe looked away from their computers, providing smiles and introductions. They politely offered me a desk or chair; however, I know I must avoid being a burden, so I maintain my position in the corner of the room and offer to just use my laptop.
My next move is to be proactive, so I open my laptop and search for the patient list. When I realize I have no idea what I am looking for, I gaze about the room. My other tribe members are busy writing notes and placing orders.
Well, I can stare at my laptop and pretend like I don’t exist, or I can ask for the list.
Wait for a lull.
I scan the room and eye the tribe member I can build the closest alliance with, the intern, and wait for them to stop typing.
“Hey! Do you think you could show me how to get the patient list, whenever you have the time, no rush.”
The intern responds “Of course! Just give me a few minutes.”
Hold onto this person for dear life.
We spend the next 12 hours winning and losing challenges. We talk about each patient back at camp.
Ok. I can do this for 39 days.
At the end of the shift, I start packing up my things, as two of my own coffee cups contribute to the overflowing trashcan.
My tribe leader reflects that I have done a good day’s work and offers feedback. But she warns me of what is coming tomorrow.
A tribe swap.
No longer will this be my tribe. I am on to the next one, where I will play this game once more.
Image Credit: “Our trash” (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) by Kristin Myers Harvey
Contributing Writer
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine