I aspire to one day become a physician practicing primary care, either in the fields of sports medicine or pediatrics. In May, I graduate from the University of Arizona with a degree in Biochemistry... an abrupt, but welcomed release into the "real world." I've decided to take time for myself, prior to entering the rigors of medical school, where I can explore myself and the world around me.
During the heart of my college years, while decoding the mythical hieroglyphics my professor called organic chemistry, I realized that the implications of my science books are vast, yet all of the studying in the world won’t prepare a person for their life roles as a parent, friend, caregiver, companion, and knowledgeable citizen.
I don’t know how many chemistry, biology, math books, and journal articles I’ve read as a college student, but when it comes down to it, does it truly matter? It wasn’t until I joined a diabetes research group at the university, under the tutelage of Dr. Tsu Shuen Tsao, that I noticed something intangible about experimentation and discovery. Of course, our experiments described the theoretical framework of disease where individual proteins were isolated and contrasted against the knowledge of a text book founded in previous studies. Beyond the theory, I learned about myself, the intimacies of the research, and the subtleties that a textbook cannot convey. There were times I was so frustrated and angry with my project, I was on the verge of shouting. In hindsight, I think these moments may be the most influential.
I realized that I've been so focused on the complexities of school and work that I haven’t seen much of the world. Although I have interned at hospitals and shadowed doctors, I feel I have had a protected, spoon-fed opportunity to help others. It reminds me of a quote by Chuck Palahniuk which says “Nobody had left much room for adventure, except maybe the kind you could buy. On a roller coaster. At a movie. Still, it would always be that kind of faux excitement because there's no possibility of real disaster, real risk, we're left with no chance for real salvation. Real elation. Real excitement. Joy. Discovery. Invention.”
People ask me why I would want to attempt a cross country bike ride. After hearing about an inspirational ride by Peter Raisanen, I was captivated by the impact of such an endeavor and realized it fit me like a missing puzzle piece.
All I hope to do is learn and give another person the chance to have one of their wishes come true.
All I hope to do is learn and give another person the chance to have one of their wishes come true.
