Why medical school? Why a doctor?

When did I choose to become a doctor?

I made that decision back in middle school. My older sister went to a high school that was divided into four academies (biomedical science, communication, business, and military) and I was determined to go there too. The question was then: what would I study there? I quickly knew that I would not go into the military academy because I hate being told what to do, and the idea of wearing a uniform, and having to do physical activity on a daily basis was NOT part of my plans. Communication was also out for the count because I do not have a creative bone in my body and would not have been able to handle all the classes. Photoshop and art classes didn't make me want to push myself harder (though looking back now photoshop classes would have been helpful with photography now).

I was now between business or biomedical science. I would have enjoyed business, but my sister was already in that academy and I no longer wanted to follow all my sister's footsteps as I have done most of my life. I knew I was good at math, science and loved helping people but I was at a loss as to what I could do with that, but I knew that the Biomed academy was the best fit for all of these things. I had finally decided on a career—a doctor—and not just any doctor but a pediatrician (however, in high school I would change my mind and decide on being an obstetrician).

I filled out all the paperwork to get my name into the lottery system to be accepted into the academy for the following year, but wouldn't get picked and instead got waitlisted. I would have to attend my boundary school which was a school I definitely DID NOT want to attend, but I had no choice. I went to school and did really well, but it was expected because excellence there was mediocre at best. I craved challenges and knew that being at the school would not set me up to attend a great college and so I was crushed when I began filling out my schedule for my sophomore year (I was going to take an auto class. Can you imagine me in auto class?!) Thankfully my mom got a call in May asking if I was still interested in attending the academy and she didn't even consult me when she said yes, which I am immensely thankful for. I was going to be in the school I dreamed of and pursuing a career I wanted more than anything, but I was a year behind everyone and I didn't know it until I would start in the fall.

I felt like an outsider, since I was one of only a few transfer students, and everyone had already known each other for at least a year or more. I felt like a newborn deer, awkward, and lost. I had to double down and work hard to catch up with everyone. I would study for hours after school and would always ask for help from my teachers. I especially remember my advanced chemistry teacher, she would help me immensely and in my senior year give me my 'most improved' certificate. She told me that she was impressed that I had not only caught up to my peers but had surpassed many. I had made it into the top 10% and that was my biggest achievement thus far in life.

I have gone through many obstacles but I have thankfully surpassed each one. I had gotten into my own dream school—Marquette University—and I am still happy with the decision I made when I was 13. I am still proud to be pursuing this profession and I know that down the line when I am 50 and heading into work at 5 am to deliver a baby I will still love my job. I may like many things, playing the violin, learning, Korean dramas, etc., but I know that I LOVE my career path and will love it till the day I die (or retire).