It's not every day that you get to sit in the same room with such an inspiring man. This past Wednesday night, I was fortunate enough to listen to the world-renowned doctor and inspiration for the Golden-Globe nominated film "Concussion", Bennet Omalu, speak to the Bridgewater College students, staff, and community. I walked into that gymnasium thinking I would learn a lot about his discovery of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) in the brains of retired football players and how his life was forever changed. I imagined a man with a total of 8 advanced degrees and board certifications from so many different prestigious colleges and universities would be speaking to us about a lot of things that were most likely going to be way over my head.
But, instead, I came out with so much more than I bargained for. His astonishing speech left me motivated to do more with my life. His words gave me hope for the future. He was easy to relate to, funny, and passionate; he simply had it all. He wasn't afraid to speak on the tough issues. And, he was also happy to speak about how freeing and incredible the American life can and should be. Of all the wonderful life advice and insight he had to offer to us, a few things made it clear that the world should listen to his words a whole lot more!
1. Always believe in yourself.
In his final year of medical school when his graduating class was asked what they wanted to be, he said just three words: "To be myself". He continued to say that you need to spend time finding out who you are, study who you are, and do everything possible to be who you are. No body is better than you and you are no better than anyone else. No one can define who you are. When you become who you are and you truly know yourself, no one can tell you who you should be or what you should do with your life. When the NFL came after him and told him that he was a crazy doctor and had no idea what he was talking about to say that the sport was causing long-term brain damage, he immediately stood up for himself stating: "You don't know me. You can't tell me what I know and don't know. I am Bennet and I stand for something."
You must love and celebrate yourself. There can only be one you in the history of mankind. This is your life, this is your stage, and this is your time. Don't let anyone tell you how to live it!
2. DO NOT "become a victim to society."
Omalu suffered from depression for much of his life, and was always questioning his purpose. He found himself slipping into the deepest and darkest places during medical school and years to follow. He didn't understand what his purpose was and if he really had anything to offer to this world. It wasn't until he pushed himself out of his comfort zone that he was destined to do incredible things. His full name is Bennet Ifeakandu Omalu, and his last name in particular translates to "If anyone knows, let him/she speak". It was his job to let his voice be heard. His opinions and discoveries mattered. He mattered.
Like I said before, he wasn't afraid to talk about the tough stuff. He knew people in the room could very well be suffering just like he once had. He knew his words could change a perspective and maybe even save a life. Society accepts the views of certain people, but not others. Society forces people into being things that they don't necessarily want to be. But, he constantly reminded us that it's our job to not let society define our purpose in this world. Society can never control us.
3. Don't be afraid to create your own path.
Just like I talked about before, society forces us into these confined roads to success. Whether that be political movements, medicine, teaching, or anything in between. Omalu explained again and again how important it is to stray away from the norm. When he discovered CTE in the brains of former NFL players, it wasn't even the NFL that criticized him the most. His fellow medical colleagues called him names and tried to defame his reputation. Because he decided to stray away from the norm and use his own money to make a discovery that actually mattered, he was criticized.
This happens to people day in and day out. You get laughed at for being unique and different. You get laughed at for doing things that other people don't consider cool or worthwhile. You are expected to conform to society. But, as Omalu said, nobody destined to do great things is normal! And, that's something to always keep in mind.
