If it's your first, second or last year as an undergraduate pre-health student, we've all had the same thought: is medical school even worth it?

And if I'm being honest with you, I'm not really sure. Yeah, you have the potential to earn a lot of money in the end, but if that's all you're looking for, might as well be an accountant.

We all have different reasons for wanting to pursue medical school. Be it for the cash, the learning experience or the genuine feeling of wanting to be a doctor-- to be involved in research and/or help others. The point is, there are so many reasons people initially want to go into pre-med. But as the school years go by, there are going to be people that end up deciding that medical school is not right for them. A lot even decide during medical school! Which is not to say that it's an issue-- everyone has their own pace in deciding what they want to do with their life. But if you genuinely wish to work as a doctor, (and hopefully for the right reasons for helping patients and not for the potential fame or money), then keep going at it. Don't let people tell you differently. Don't let a bad test score/bad class grade/bad semester deter you in achieving that dream. And if you're genuinely* invested in it, don't let others try to convince you otherwise. But also don't let people pressure you towards this path if you're really not enjoying it.

In my case, even though I'm positive that I want to go to medical school and become a doctor and possibly an epidemiologist, I still want to someday work in politics. People haven't outright laughed at me, but they have judged me-- automatically thinking of me as a confused college student who's still unsure of what they want to do. These people include peers that I've known for 5 minutes max, friends, and family. And maybe I am confused with where my life's leading me, but in no way am I confused about this. I will go to medical school. I will be working in developing in countries. And I will be working in politics.

The point to this whole personal experience is that no matter how ridiculous your plans may sound to other people, as long as it makes sense to you, that's all that matters.

So whether you're a student considering medical school, are already on the pre-med track or are not sure whether medical school is right for you-- just know that whatever you decide, it'll work out.

Just keep in mind that it's your life, do what you actually want to do, not what everyone thinks you should do.