Med/Surg first definitely! It helps with bachkground knowledge base of A&P and pathophysiology that helps coorelate things better when you start Peds. Peds was much easier for me..... (took it after Med/Surg) because I understood the harder part first! Always take harder course first and take it "face on" rather running from it in fear...what we fear becomes more complicated than it really needs to be or actually is! :)
What motivates me is knowing that the help I can add to my family unit, my community, this society, this world, Is what's real enough for me to know that my existence had it's purpose and was not in vain!