"Then, one day, it'll finally be your turn. After all the hard work and hoping and dreaming, the winner will be you."
-In Conclusion, Don't Worry About It
Lauren Graham

Two years ago I found myself sitting in a therapy session babbling, scared and stressed. Nothing seemed to be going right. My dad's first treatment had failed, a surprise to all of us, I had run out of money for food, and everything seemed to be my fault. Or so others had blatantly said to me.

Up until that point, I had believed the universe had turned against me. Leaving a steaming pile of crap at my doorstep, I believed I had done something horribly wrong and karma was finally seeking its revenge.

So as I sat there worrying about my future, unconvinced that I could finish school, unsure of my abilities to even attempt to apply to medical school nonetheless take the MCAT, and absolutely terrified, I questioned my contribution in this life for the millionth time that month.

But what I will never forget, is the moment Pam stopped me and said something profound:

You will get in

How could she say something as audacious as that?? She did not work for an admissions board in a medical school. She did not know my academic record and I hadn't even taken the MCAT yet, but here she was telling me the most impactful words I would ever need in my short years of undergrad.

You see, it was not that she was giving me an acceptance, nor was she giving me the "golden ticket" to success, but she was instilling in me the most important piece of advice yet.

If you truly want something, you will get it

No matter the time or effort required. Because life is not always about being the wealthiest or even the smartest, but about being resilient. Regardless of what life throws your way.

It's about instilling discipline in your practice and finding ways to hone your skills and always improve. It is about long nights, windy roads, dead ends and a lot of mistakes, but if you hold on to hope, no matter how ludicrous, you will get it. You will get in.

People talk about Cinderella moments all the time. Michael Jordan, one of the most prominent NBA players of our generation, who didn't even make his high school basketball team. J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter series, which was inevitably denied 12 times by publishers before The Sorcerer's Stone hit the press. And even Demi Lovato and her long yet empowering journey to sobriety.

I remind you of these individuals and the many others who likely come to mind NOT to highlight the failures in their lives, but to highlight the success that came BECAUSE of their failures.

Don't be afraid to ask the universe for whatever it is your heart desires

Because if you are willing to get dirty and if you are willing to get knocked around in hopes of one-day succeeding, you will.

So if you are like me two years ago, and you can't seem to find a grasp on life or the traction to begin your journey to success, first ask your friends. Afterall, we cannot do anything without the love and support of our peers and know that you might have to create your opportunity.

But that's okay. Because one day, after a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, you will get in and you will make an impact in this large world. And it will be worth everything that you hoped it would be.