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10 Things People Say When I Tell Them I Want To Be A Neurosurgeon

I want to save lives, what more do you need to know?

Kaytie Sandmire

Jul 30, 2018

University of Wisconsin, Madison

107

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I've known I wanted to be a doctor for a while now, and that I've wanted to work with the brain for even longer. Only recently did I decide that becoming a neurosurgeon would be right for me. The brain has always intrigued me. It controls everything we do. Everyone has one, and they are anatomically the same, yet people are so different. When I tell people that I want to be a neurosurgeon, everyone has an opinion they need to share or a question they need to ask me. Some questions are extremely invasive, while some are just humorous.

1. "What about your future family?"

My response to this one is, "What about them?" I have chosen this career path, so I know the extensive training and hours that go into becoming and being a neurosurgeon. I'm 19, so sorry I haven't thought out how I want everything else in my life to be.

2. "Wow, you must be really smart then!"

OK, so no one would ever get sick of hearing this but I STILL don't know how to respond. Saying "yes I am" isn't acceptable, but saying "no I'm not" isn't really either. I usually just smile and laugh. I work hard in my classes to get my grades and will have to continue to do so throughout my college career.

3. "You know that's like, really stressful, right?"

Really? Wow! I had no idea that holding someone's life, personality and ability to function in your hands and working extremely long hours was stressful! Thank you for enlightening me!

4. "When are you planning on having kids then?!"

#1. Who says I even want kids? #2. That's not really any of your business, acquaintance. #3. Would you ask me this if I were a guy?

5. "Like Derek on 'Grey's Anatomy?' He dies."

Yes, the fictional character Derek Shepherd is a neurosurgeon and yes he does die. Someone explain WHAT that has to do with me becoming a neurosurgeon? Also, if we're living in this "Grey's" fantasy world, Amelia, Derek's sister, is also a neurosurgeon and I'd much rather be compared to her, thank you.

6. "Four extra years of school?"

Yes! And seven years of residency. I am a huge nerd and love to learn so this is not an issue for me at all. Thanks for your concern, though.

7. Treating me as if I am already a doctor

No, I don't know why you have chronic headaches, see your doctor. No, I don't know why you have double vision. See. Your. Doctor. I AM NOT YOUR DOCTOR.

8. "You're going to be rich! What're you gonna buy me?"

This is your classic dad joke, as people who say this to me are usually almost strangers so they are clearly joking. Unless you're paying for the intense education it's going to take to get me there, I'm not buying you anything. And, I'm not choosing this path for the money, I'm doing it to save lives.

9. "What makes you want to do that?"

Lots of reasons. To save lives. To feel like I make a difference. To help people. To understand the brain. To contribute to cutting-edge research. I can go on and on about why I want to be a neurosurgeon.

10. "WOW." blank stare

Me: uh...yep.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

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For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

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Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

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10 Things People Say When I Tell Them I Want To Be A Neurosurgeon

I want to save lives, what more do you need to know?

1. "What about your future family?"

2. "Wow, you must be really smart then!"

3. "You know that's like, really stressful, right?"

4. "When are you planning on having kids then?!"

5. "Like Derek on 'Grey's Anatomy?' He dies."

6. "Four extra years of school?"

7. Treating me as if I am already a doctor

8. "You're going to be rich! What're you gonna buy me?"

9. "What makes you want to do that?"

10. "WOW." *blank stare*

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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