As a college student on a pre-med track, I hear hurtful comments on a regular basis. It isn't fair for me to get your disapproval when you are the one asking me what I want to do. I am just answering what you asked me. I know that some of you aren't trying to be cynical, but that is how you come across. I don't need your negativity. I don't need to hear the sneer in your voice when you think I will fail or the sarcasm after I tell you that I'm pre-med. Don't judge my future plans because a piece of you is jealous.

These are some of the top things that get under my skin:

1. Wow. You must be so smart.

Actually, I'm not super intelligent. I just work hard. I put forth hours of studying on a regular basis. My emphasis has more to do with my hard work and dedication than my intelligence.

2. I hope you like going to school.

I don't need you to remind me how long I am going to be in school. Trust me I am aware that including residency I am looking at about twelve years on average. I like going to school as much as you do. It is a hurdle to be jumped to eventually get my degree.

3. I heard that is super hard. I hope you don't fail.

Thanks for starting a conversation implying that I'm not going to succeed. It really makes me want to continue talking to you. Trying to become a doctor is a risk, but there is a chance of failing at any job. At the end of the day, I don't want to wonder about the what ifs. I want to know that I gave my all, even if I do come up short.

4. Oh that's what you want to do.

If you didn't want to know, then why did you ask? I am only answering your question.

5. Do you just want to be a doctor for the money?

No. No. No. How many times do I have to say no before people understand it isn't about the money? Yes, I will make a considerable amount of money but that isn't why I want to be a doctor. I want to be a doctor because I have a passion for medicine and helping people.

6. Have you thought about all the diseases you could get?

Have you thought about all diseases you could get if there weren't any doctors? I will help to create cures. I will help to stop the spread of disease. I will try my best to help people who others are scared of treating. I will see each patient as a person who deserves to live. I am not afraid I will get some dangerous disease. I will not live in fear.

7. You are such a dreamer.

I am glad I believe in myself because clearly you don't believe in me. My dreams aren't wishful thinking. They are plans that will become a reality.

Those are just a few of the many hateful comments I have heard. Most of the time I let them roll off of me while biting my tongue. Today, I decided to take a stand. Not just for pre-med students but for everyone trying to achieve their dreams. I realized that no matter what degree a person decides to get there are always hateful people. They constantly have something negative to say. What would happen if we took out the negativity and replaced it with encouragement?

I believe we would live in a world where people wouldn't be afraid of failing. They would reach for their dreams and succeed, because of all the other people boosting them up on their shoulders. Next time you ask someone what they want to do, think before you respond. Don't answer with criticism or sarcasm. I mean you are the one who asked them what they wanted to do in the first place.