Tuesday, June 5, 2007
The Difference a Year Makes
How do you look into someone's hopeful eyes and tell them that their future looks bleak? This is the challenge I faced today as I was talking to a future first year medical student. I kept staring at him, thinking that I was looking into a mirror of the past. I remember how I felt the exact same way one year ago, excited about starting a new chapter of my life and looking forward to the challenges I was to face. He was interested in my insight into Pitts programs and into the classes and projects. He kept smiling and saying how excited he was to be accepted into Pitt and start medical school. If I had to briefly describe him, I would say that he was just blindingly happy. I was the same way at that time. And I stood there earlier this morning, paralyzed to my spot wondering how I should react to him. Should I be happy for him that he is so excited? Should I be sad knowing that within a years time he is going to feel the exact opposite of how he feels now? Should I tell him how I feel right now or should I lie through my teeth and give a rosy picture of medical school? I had absolutely no idea and just stood there like a statue.
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4 comments:
hello there.. i'm a medical student in malaysia, and i've finished my first year, on holidays now, will be starting second year on the 18th. came across your blog by chance. and after reading your post, i had the same thought, wat do i say to my juniors when they come in? that medical school is all fun and exciting? or it may break you down and make you cry in the worst of nights because you feel like you're the only one who's lagging behind and don't have anyone to hold on to?
guess they'll just have to find out for themselves.
and as for the breakup part... i've been through a very bad phase of that too, during early 2006. but life goes on, no matter what, and really, time will heal. i'm in a better relationship now, a happier and healthier one. so, don't give up on love and hope! gambateh!
Nyrac: I am glad to know that I am not the only one who feels this way; much less that I am not the only one in this country! I think having to tell someone a hard truth is a problem that everyone faces on this planet and it is definitely not an easy decision. I guess it depends on the situation and person but I at times I feel like I am still not full grown up because I am unsure what I should do.
As per my relationship problems, I definitely haven't given up on love. I guess many times on this blog it seems that way. And I am definitely living my life. Why just today, I went to the zoo, ate at my favorite restaurant, went shopping, picked up my best friend from the airport, went to a friends party and now I am off to a movie! I have wonderful friends and many inspiring people in my life, like you, who keep letting me know that there is always hope out there. I am happy for you and have fun on your holidays; I am too!
kiki: am glad to hear that you're doing fine =) when i was in orientation week myself, a lot of seniors ask, "why did you choose medicine?" and we thought that it was a evry boring and uncreative question. but little did i expect that the question held so much meaning to it. and that's the question i'm going to ask them too, when i see them in july. they way they answer that question tells a lot about them, and that makes a bid difference in the way they're going to face the challenges in medicine.
do you have a friendster account? i'd like to add you in my friendlist there ^^
Nyrac: That is a great question and I think too many students give it enough credit! I certainly didn't! Unfortunately, I don't have a friendster account to respect anonymity of the people I talk about in my blog. You are more than free to email me and we can talk privately then about way to communicate!
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