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.