I’m currently a sophomore in college who is studying to become a doctor. Yes, a doctor, not a nurse, a doctor. Coming from a family where college isn’t always the way to go, this is a big deal, and a lot of people don’t think I can do it. Growing up I was not always the smartest cookie in the jar, but I blame that on the way we measure education by test, and that’s a rant for another day. It took me a while to come to the conclusion that I was going to be a doctor, I had always thought that it would be a cool job, but I never did well with blood and guts, so I told myself it wasn’t for me. I had always known that I wanted to help people, and as time went on I found myself reading medical journals and learning about the different parts of the body all on my own. I even bought a human anatomy book for fun, but like I said, I never saw myself doing anything with that. But now, being aware of the different types of specializations that can be pursued, there’s no reason for me to no go after this. When I tell people that I’m studying Pre-Med the response is always the same “Oh wow!” or “I never would have guessed that!”, yeah well me either. I’ve had people tell me about how hard it is and how long I’ll be in school for, and I’m well aware of it. My own grandmother even rolled her eyes at me when I said I wanted to be a doctor, followed by a sarcastic “Yeah ok”. What she and the many other people like her don’t know is, they’re the fuel to my fire. I want to prove them all wrong and show them that I can do this and I will do this. “Are you sure this is what you want to do?” “You’ll probably be better suited in another field” Yes I’m sure, and no I don’t think I am. I recently went on a tour to a local Surgical Education Center and the rush I got from walking into those door was unexplainable. Our tour guide was the director of the program there and told us all about it, and you could tell he was trying to scare us away, but it only made me excited. After that, I was more sure than ever that this is what I wanted, or needed, to do for the rest of my life. So, for everyone who thinks I can’t reach my goal, and you know who you are, I’m looking forward to proving you wrong.