The Reveal: I’m Going to be a Doctor!

I used to skip lunch to go to my professor’s organic chemistry office hours. My professor happened to hold it twice a week during my only open slot on Mondays and Wednesdays. Looking back now, I was always SO busy. Seriously, what kind of schedule were they giving us? Between all day classes, labs, and working two jobs during school, my schedule was packed. Somehow, I still managed to make it to this professor’s weekly office hours, with my stomach growling loudly each time. I had this teacher before, once freshman year, and yeah that was a nightmare. I struggggggled. I cried, I almost failed, and I almost gave up. But, doesn’t every pre-med have that one class (or classes) that really kicked them down? So here I was again, a year and a half later with the same professor trying to turn things around. And, this time I was hungrier for success.

Because this professor was a teacher for multiple classes, sometimes I’d find myself in office hours with one of his freshmen students. It was mid-semester and one of his general chemistry students was having a hard time in his class (been there, done that). The student was super frustrated with her score on the last mid-term. My professor really gave his best effort to help her in his own way. Right before the freshman student left he said, to the both of us, “There are two types of successful students, you know. There are those students who just get it. For whatever reason, it all just makes sense to them and they get an A. And then, there are those where that doesn’t happen, but they work really hard and strive for the best. So, just keep working at it.”

Right away I knew which one of “those students” I was. I was the hard worker. I am the hard worker and, I worked my butt off to get to where I’m at today. I’ll continue to work hard because I’m just getting started.

I couldn’t be more appreciative of the course of events that brought me here. Hardship, loss, doubt, and grief turned to resilience, support, inspiration, and joy. Years of growth and courage led me to build the dream that I have today. This time last year, I was working tirelessly and preparing to send off my application to medical schools. Never had I imagined the turn of events that played out. At that time, I repeated to myself, “All you need is one, just one school to give you a shot. And then, you can handle things from there. All it takes is one yes to become a doctor.”

Imagine my surprise when the interview offers started rolling in! 11 interviews later, I can say that I earned just a teeny bit of bragging rights, that along with some serious sky miles and reward points. Although a couple of rejections and 3 waitlists came my way, in the end, I was accepted to 6 medical schools! Okay, can I say that again? I was accepted to 6 medical schools! Not only that, I received multiple full tuition scholarship offers.

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Despite all the crazy and difficult times that the word is facing right now, I can’t help but to celebrate and to be proud. I can’t help but feel honored to know that I’m about to start my journey into the medical profession. The stories of the courageous and selfless health care workers who are fighting this pandemic continue to inspire me. They serve as a reminder that I’ve chosen to live a purpose that is larger than just myself.

After much deliberation, I have finally chosen the school where I will start my medical career. I’m really excited and confident about my decision. I know that I am stepping in to an environment that will develop me into an exceptional physician. I’m ecstatic to announce that I will be attending the Emory University School of Medicine! After being away for 5 years, I’m coming home!

To my dad, family, friends, and anyone who has supported me on this long and difficult path: I love y’all. I appreciate y’all more than words can describe. I’m so blessed for the amazing people God has placed in my life. Look, it is not over yet. I will continue to need your support during this next transition of my life. If I’m going to medical school… we’re all going to medical school.

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