Daring Greatly

     One of my most recent reads was Brené Brown's Daring Greatly. As someone who loves to seek inspiration, this book was right up my alley, and as someone who tries to remind herself to be braver, I loved what Brené had to say. Like my last book post, I won't go into the book in incredible detail (I want you guys to still read the book!), but I will share some of the points that stuck with me.

    Brené is a shame and vulnerability researcher, so her book talks a lot about shame in our society and how we can change our reactions to allow ourselves to live happier lives. The book is filled with her research findings and personal accounts of how this research has impacted her own life, but what struck me the most was how her information fit into my own life and how valuable her advice was.

Some of Her Points

1. Scarcity- One of the topics that she focuses on in her book is the concept of scarcity in our society and how it brings up the concept of a "never enough" mentality. She explains that this mentality stems from our constant comparison to things in our environment. We compare ourselves to our peers, to people on social media, or just our idea of how our lives should be going. How often do we scroll through our Instagram feeds glancing at pictures of beautiful people or beautiful places, wishing that we could have those things? She also makes a point about how many of us have a set of criteria for our worth and that if we have all of the attributes on our list, only then will we be good enough. The solution? Of course, to be kinder to yourself. Realize that having such a list will only set you up for failure, and that instead you should focus on believing you are enough without having to mark off a checklist. This could also extend to perfectionism in our lives and not feeling good enough until you get everything on your list completed. I know that I could identify with this because at times I would feel discouraged if I didn't get everything that I hoped to accomplish done. Over time, I've realized that if I, at least, mark one task off my list that demonstrates that I am trying and that is enough.

2. Uncertainty and the fear of failure- In the book she explains that putting our ideas or works out into the open without the assurance of acceptance or appreciation makes us vulnerable. But, we shouldn't let the fear of failure stop us from doing the things that we want to do. She mentions that she has the quote "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" hung above her desk as a reminder to take risks. She explains that many people are waiting for the right moment or for things to be perfect to do the things they want, but that they should instead just do them. Thinking about the quote on her wall, I know there would be many things that I would've done if I knew that I couldn't fail or things that I would've pursued if I knew that I would be successful. Heck, for a while I wanted to start blogging, but I wanted to wait for the right moment. Until one day, I just decided I was going to start, and I just went for it. From her advice and personal experience, it is important to just go for things, because sometimes the "perfect moment" might not come and we can miss out on something really great.

3.Who Defines your Worth- Brené says, "Nothing has transformed my life more than realizing that it's a waste of time to evaluate my worthiness by weighing the reaction of the people in the stands." I thought this couldn't be said any better because it is so true. Everyone will have a different opinion about the things you do, but the most important thing is to determine who's opinion really matters. For me, it is always my own and those of the people that I love. They are the only ones that have a full understanding of who I am and can make an accurate judgment. If I valued the opinion of everyone I encountered, I would miserable trying to make people happy. I see many quotes relating to this on social media and one that always comes to mind is " You can't please everyone. You are not a box of chocolates." Everyone is unique, so don't ever be discouraged because someone doesn't like what your have to offer. It just might not be their flavor.

4. Know Your Intention- Why do you do the things you do? Is it because you love to do them?
Or because you want to make someone else happy? She notes that you should do things because you want to do them, not because it would please someone or it would make you more like someone. I know that this is something that I always try to remind myself. I want to do things in my life because they are things I am passionate about. This is something that I think about when I think about this blog. Of course, I would love it if everyone enjoyed reading my blog, and I write it with the hope that I can reach out and help someone that is pursuing a similar journey. But, If at the end of the day the only people that read this are me and my friend Megan (she's the best), that will be good enough for me. 

     Brown frames her book with a wonderful quote by Theodore Roosevelt that excellently captures the intention of her book and serves as great inspiration for life (you better believe I wrote it in my planner) and I want to share it:

                                     
                                                             " It is not the critic who counts; not the

                                                               man who points out how the strong man

                                                              stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could

                                                              have done them better.

                                                              The credit belongs to the man who is actu-

                                                              ally in the arena, whose face is marred by dust

                                                              and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly;

                                                              who errs, who comes short again and again,

                                                                                                                                  

                                                              because there is no effort without error

                                                              and shortcoming; but who does actually

                                                              strive to do the deeds; who knows great en-

                                                              thusiams, the great devotions; who spends

                                                              himself in a worthy cause;

                                                              who at best knows in the end the triumph

                                                              of high achievement, and who at worst, if

                                                              he fails, at least fails while daring greatly..."

     I hope this post inspired you to pick up this book because it is a really good read and Brené gives great advice. I also hope that you had a great weekend and that the beginning of your week has been going well. I'll talk to you soon!

~Genesis<3

Never Doubt Your Brilliance

    
























   





      As much of my medical school application process has come to a conclusion, I wanted to share a little story with you guys about something that happened to me on my journey.

     Last year, I was going through the pre-med process and part of what my school offered pre-med students was the opportunity to apply for a committee that helps you along with applying to medical school. As a member of the committee, you got assigned an advisor who you met with every month to go over materials for your application and gain guidance over the application process. This program wasn't new to me as I had gone through it the cycle before when I was considering applying for medical school my Junior year. Senior year I re-entered the committee and was all set to meet with my advisor starting Spring semester. 

     At this point, I personally felt that I had kicked fall semester's butt. I had spent the bulk of my summer studying for my MCAT retake in early September (which I happened to get a score I was happy to apply to schools with), I was working 15-20 hours a week, volunteering, and I managed to pull off a 4.0 for the semester. When spring semester started, I was feeling really optimistic and although I was a tad bummed I wouldn't have the same advisor ( the previous cycle I was paired with the head of the committee who is such a great person and one of the kindest men I've met) I was excited to start working towards my medical school application. That's where Dr. F comes in. 

Dr. F. was the advisor I was paired with for the semester. A Biology professor with curly gray hair, rather cold blue eyes, and a typically serious demeanor. Our first meeting was definitely memorable. I arrived at her office a few minutes early (for anyone that knows me I have a habit of being early for everything) and was prompted to wait outside her door while she prepared for our meeting. When I finally entered, it was a typical first meeting. We shook hands, I sat down, she asked me to talk a bit about myself ( I don't like this question as I never know what they really want to know), and then we reviewed my file. We discussed my numbers and extracurriculars for a bit and then she gave her opinion, she thought I was average. I remember her saying, " I am a very blunt person and I won't sugar coat any of this" as she proceeded to tell me that I had a chance but to prepare myself because a lot of students don't get in. She also was really pushing me to pursue a D.O. Degree instead of M.D. because they typically require a lower MCAT. I had applied for a research position and she basically told me I had a slim to none chance of getting it and when I told her I worked at a clothing store, her disapproval was very apparent (unnecessarily so in my opinion). 

     At that point, we went over my gap year plans and she told me my best bet was to pursue a certification program to get a job that would allow me to gain more patient experience. I just remember nodding and asking for her advice while trying to piece together what I could do now that my previous ideas were burning in a trash bin somewhere. We concluded our meeting, agreed upon the time for our next session, and I headed on my way. I remember walking home desperate to arrive as the heaviness in my chest was very apparent. The short walk to my apartment felt eternal and when I finally shut the door behind me and reached for my phone to call my mom, I knew the tears would shortly follow. Through tears, I told my mom how everything had gone, what the advisor had said, and how I didn't know what I was going to do. 

    I was scared. It felt like Dr. F. had taken a knife to the canvas where I had drawn out my path and all I was left staring at were the pieces blowing around unable to be mended. For a girl that always likes to have a plan, this was a nightmare and even worse because it concerned what I had just spent the past three and a half years trying to build. I remember my mom coaching me through, reminding me that everything would be fine and to not be afraid. She is amazing at reminding me to refocus and she was exactly what I needed at that moment. I took a deep breath, tried to set a starting point for my next move and said,"It'll be okay. I know I haven't come this far to stop now." 

     The remainder of the semester I worked my butt off, I planned my gap year as best as I could, and the following meetings with Dr. F. went alright. She even at one point stated that she was "impressed" with my progress. The semester ended ( I finished with a 3.8), graduation came ( graduated cum laude) followed by application season with the fear and insecurity instilled in me by Dr. F. a demon present along the way. 

     Now, if you've read any of my other posts, you know everything went well. I was accepted to two really great med schools. One of which didn't even look at my secondary before interviewing me ( which means they didn't even need any of Dr. F's suggestions to think I was a great candidate) and the other one was one of my top choices here in Chicago.  

    Looking back on it, it was silly for me to even be afraid of the process, but as a pre-med it's easy to fall into the trap because people like Dr. F. will try to tell you that you might fail. But, I am here to tell you that people like Dr. F. aren't always right. I honestly believe that when something is meant for you, nothing can keep it from happening. All I had to do was work very hard and persist to get there. It's crazy to think that I could've avoided many months of worrying if I had only focused on my journey instead of keeping Dr. F's words at the back of my mind, but regardless I made it through.

     I'm not going to say getting into medical school is easy because it definitely isn't. But, I will assure you that it isn't impossible. I wanted to share my experience with Dr. F. so that you won't doubt your abilities because someone else thinks less of you. You are a unique person and medical schools are looking at you as a whole. So, if your are applying this cycle, don't fret. Stay on your course and don't let anyone steer you astray because you are more brilliant than you think. Good luck!

~Genesis<3

 

Word for 2016!

     Happy New Year! So, I hope everyone had a marvelous time ringing in the new year! Something that caught my eye this weekend as I was lounging around trying to recover from several nights of serious sleep deprivation was the "word of the year" theme on people's Instagram posts.

     Last year, I didn't specifically designate a word for the year, but If I had to choose one, I would say that my word would have been "Dare". My theme for the year was to try to step out of my comfort zone and be more daring. I aimed to try new things and not be afraid of change, and I am very happy with how the year went.

     This year, I definitely wanted to choose something meaningful as my word. I know that 2016 is going to be a big year for me. So, I chose the word "Inspire" to be my word for this year. The tail end of this past year, I really wanted to commit to doing the things that I had always wanted to do. Blogging was at the top of that list and much of why I want to keep up a blog is to be able to share my journey through medical school. This year I hope to inspire others who might be interested in the medical school route and I want to offer as much advice as I possibly can. On a more personal note, I want to be able to keep myself inspired. I want to keep up with my creative plans and I think having the word inspire at the front of my mind might help with that. Also, I want to keep inspired as I begin my journey through medical school. A piece of advice that pretty much any med student has given me along the way is to prepare myself, as medical school can get insane. I want to remain inspired throughout my journey, but especially when it might be easy to forget why I am doing this in the first place. Hopefully, my word inspires you to pick a word to motivate your journey for this year, and I hope that it is an incredible year:)

~Genesis<3