What is Grit? Grit is the ability to accept your failures and learn from them. It is the ability to get back up after you experience a misfortune and continue to move forward in order to accomplish a goal.

On various occasions, I have used Grit, but one that influenced me the most was during my sophomore year of high school. I failed a class, but I didn’t let that failure discourage me. Instead, I used the situation to help me improve on my weaknesses.

In my Sophomore year of high school, I had failed Algebra II. I slacked off for a semester; earning myself a spot in credit recovery. I was dissatisfied and unhappy with my lack of motivation that I usually had in the past. After being put in credit recovery I started looking at math in a different light. I made sure to diligently take notes and listen carefully since you can easily get lost during the lesson if you don't pay attention. When the first test of the semester was imminent, I put my distractions to the side and studied. I was motivated to pass a math class and be proud of my achievement. My efforts didn't go unnoticed as I received my first 90 on a math test in high school. I continued this pattern of studying and taking notes in math and all of my classes to improve my grades and I wasn't disappointed. If I had given up, I wouldn't have passed my class or gain valuable studying skills.

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to pursue a career in the health field. As a child, I often tagged along with my mother to work on weekends and saw how the workers effortlessly took care of patients and ensured their health was at its best. I believe that this is what sparked my interest in medicine. As I grew, I began seeking out opportunities that would give me more insight on how it would be to work in a hospital. From volunteering to working as an intern in an Oncology Administrative office, I had experiences that validated my career choice.

The path to becoming a doctor is long and arduous, but having Grit will be essential to my future. By having perseverance and having grit in my previous experiences, I have no doubt that I will be able to achieve my goal.