As a medical student I have many reasons to believe that I am not just another medical student often portrayed as a nerdy, focused, dedicated person. Here is my story of immense struggle, pain, humor and confusion.
“Philosophy! Yes that’s what I want to do after finishing school!”- I announced with pride and an intellectual air, sensing almost a discovery of sorts, discovery of my true passion and interest based on my convictions, ideas and daily thought process. Studying for entrance seemed too much of a headache- with all the cramming involved and so much more! Moreover the idea of studying in a medical college didn’t fascinate me anymore. The reason why I opted for biology in the 11th grade was because I was planning on studying for the premedical tests but I was just 15 then, realizing that I didn’t want to become a doctor but a philosopher at 16 sounded plausible and reasonable to me.
“What?” mom replied back, almost choosing to ignore what I had just said.
“I want to do a course in philosophy,” I repeated myself.
“Be serious! Anyway you can do whatever you want after you become a doctor,” mom said almost forcibly, so not interested in what I was putting across to her.
“Umm, no but philosophy is what really interests me and I am pretty sure about that.”
“You are ruining your life and ours too. What do you want to do? Mop the floors? You have taken up biology! Don’t talk like those art students! You are seeking escape from hard work. Nothing in this life comes easy. Be courageous and don’t step back from what you have already decided. What will relatives say? It’s the most crucial stage of your life, don’t pollute yourself with thoughts like these.” Mom spoke like she would never stop. Finally she did much to my relief. But I had no idea that this was just the beginning of the long ordeal that was staring me in the face. In school all of my classmates in