Why I Didn’t Become a Doctor, Engineer, or Lawyer: A Thread

Specifically a doctor, because that’s what I was really pushed towards

It wasn’t “my” dream

At age 3, I was given a plastic doctor’s bag with a fake stethoscope, syringe, etc. and I was taught that this is what I need to play with.

By age 10, I was attending science camps and reading above my grade level.

My parents didn’t want me to “waste” my intellect on anything else.

Just because I’m good at it, doesn’t make it my goal.

By age 15, I was volunteering year round at multiple different hospitals around my city.

I was efficient, had great bedside manner, and communicated well with doctors and staff.

Just because I wanted to make a difference, didn’t mean this was the only way to do it.

Doctors are extremely well respected because of their ability to treat and/or cure people.

By age 17, I had been recognized for my service in and around the community by the President.

I had dedicated over 300 hours to serving people in hospitals, but I found more value in the conversations I had with them, and how it made them feel.

Being a doctor means the community will respect you.

By age 19, I was depressed, struggling, and suicidal.

People were talking about me and not about the fact that I was on the pre-med track in college.

Your career will determine the relationships in your life.

At age 25, I look back and see who I was surrounded by at different points in my life. Had my career meant that I’d lose certain people (which I have), I did pretty damn well.

This thread isn’t to bash doctors or any other providers.

It’s to make people realize that there are options out there.

And most of all it’s to help people understand that that your career isn’t your end all identity.