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10 Things People Say When I Tell Them I Want To Be A Neurosurgeon

I want to save lives, what more do you need to know?

Kaytie Sandmire

Jul 30, 2018

University of Wisconsin, Madison

107

c1.staticflickr.com

I've known I wanted to be a doctor for a while now, and that I've wanted to work with the brain for even longer. Only recently did I decide that becoming a neurosurgeon would be right for me. The brain has always intrigued me. It controls everything we do. Everyone has one, and they are anatomically the same, yet people are so different. When I tell people that I want to be a neurosurgeon, everyone has an opinion they need to share or a question they need to ask me. Some questions are extremely invasive, while some are just humorous.

1. "What about your future family?"

My response to this one is, "What about them?" I have chosen this career path, so I know the extensive training and hours that go into becoming and being a neurosurgeon. I'm 19, so sorry I haven't thought out how I want everything else in my life to be.

2. "Wow, you must be really smart then!"

OK, so no one would ever get sick of hearing this but I STILL don't know how to respond. Saying "yes I am" isn't acceptable, but saying "no I'm not" isn't really either. I usually just smile and laugh. I work hard in my classes to get my grades and will have to continue to do so throughout my college career.

3. "You know that's like, really stressful, right?"

Really? Wow! I had no idea that holding someone's life, personality and ability to function in your hands and working extremely long hours was stressful! Thank you for enlightening me!

4. "When are you planning on having kids then?!"

#1. Who says I even want kids? #2. That's not really any of your business, acquaintance. #3. Would you ask me this if I were a guy?

5. "Like Derek on 'Grey's Anatomy?' He dies."

Yes, the fictional character Derek Shepherd is a neurosurgeon and yes he does die. Someone explain WHAT that has to do with me becoming a neurosurgeon? Also, if we're living in this "Grey's" fantasy world, Amelia, Derek's sister, is also a neurosurgeon and I'd much rather be compared to her, thank you.

6. "Four extra years of school?"

Yes! And seven years of residency. I am a huge nerd and love to learn so this is not an issue for me at all. Thanks for your concern, though.

7. Treating me as if I am already a doctor

No, I don't know why you have chronic headaches, see your doctor. No, I don't know why you have double vision. See. Your. Doctor. I AM NOT YOUR DOCTOR.

8. "You're going to be rich! What're you gonna buy me?"

This is your classic dad joke, as people who say this to me are usually almost strangers so they are clearly joking. Unless you're paying for the intense education it's going to take to get me there, I'm not buying you anything. And, I'm not choosing this path for the money, I'm doing it to save lives.

9. "What makes you want to do that?"

Lots of reasons. To save lives. To feel like I make a difference. To help people. To understand the brain. To contribute to cutting-edge research. I can go on and on about why I want to be a neurosurgeon.

10. "WOW." blank stare

Me: uh...yep.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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10 Things People Say When I Tell Them I Want To Be A Neurosurgeon

I want to save lives, what more do you need to know?

In This Article:

1. "What about your future family?"

2. "Wow, you must be really smart then!"

3. "You know that's like, really stressful, right?"

4. "When are you planning on having kids then?!"

5. "Like Derek on 'Grey's Anatomy?' He dies."

6. "Four extra years of school?"

7. Treating me as if I am already a doctor

8. "You're going to be rich! What're you gonna buy me?"

9. "What makes you want to do that?"

10. "WOW." *blank stare*

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There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Love hard, every day, and never be ashamed.

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