It’s not the 7^th, 8^th, or 9^th, time you get knocked down, it’s those times, and every single time after combined with the times you get back up that matter.

I recently have felt a lot of opposition to multiple facets of life whether it be speaking up about something as simple as curriculum with a professor, my own senior research, my future, and/or what I’m currently doing with my life. This article is my PSA to the interwebs that it’s not okay to continuously badger, harangue, and put people down. You might think it’s people being sensitive, but I believe it’s important to recognize what you’re saying and the consequences.

Let’s face it folks, we all get stressed, and sometimes we take it out on one another. However, a build up of passive aggressiveness can be even worse. Do yourselves a favor and face your issues head on. Let someone know how you feel, but with a gentle touch, not a punch to the gut.

On another note, stop asking people why “they’re selling themselves short”, or believing that what you’re doing with your life is more significant. Everyone has their own purpose, own passions, and not everyone has their heart in the same place as you. Everyone is a genius in their own way, so please take the time to realize that.

Speaking of geniuses and passions, so many professions are important in this world. Doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants and high salary jobs are not the only people that matter. No one type of doctor, lawyer, or engineer is “the best” type, and without teachers, nearly everyone would not be where they are today. Don’t let anyone tell you that your profession isn’t important or that your path to get your ideal job isn’t difficult. However, still recognize that everyone handles stress differently. Help a friend out when you can, and let them vent to you.

When you decide on a definitive profession, scope it out, do some research, shadow someone in the profession if you can, and when you decide it’s right for you, GO FOR IT. I say this whole-heartedly because of situations I encountered both this year and last. While preparing for optometry school, I had a professor tell me not to sell myself short and consider the option of becoming an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon vs. optometrist, eye doctor). While I appreciated his confidence in me, I did not appreciate being told I was selling myself short. I want a career that benefits from a less stressful lifestyle, not one that puts me in the ER at 3am because someone got a pencil stuck in their eye. My life is my life. My future is mine to seize. I have a fascination with all types of medicine, but with a keen interest on the eye. Therefore, I know what I want, and I have been pursuing this dream since my years in high school. Long story short, do not let anyone belittle your dreams, career, hopes for the future, etc. Don’t just follow your dreams, work for them. Push yourself, and continually remind yourself why you strive for what you want (and what you can and will obtain).

|All the best in your future endeavors|