Enjoying the Space in Between

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Written by: Isabella Mark

Position, Member Since: Executive Administrator, joined Fall 2021

Major & Track: Neuroscience, Pre-Med

Current Year: 2nd Year

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Burn out is extremely prevalent in the medical community. With over half of medical students reporting experience with burn out, it is vital to use your undergraduate years practicing ways to combat this challenge (PMID 23834570). Entering my freshman year, I didn't care about myself. It is difficult to admit, but it's true. We are often encouraged to fit the stereotype of sacrifice and struggle, but what is the point of life if not to be happy? Happiness is desired by all and attained by few. We may have moments of joy, but does that make someone happy? The addiction to dangling the carrot in front of ourselves is surprisingly common. I am not sure why we are so addicted to stress. But when you find yourself counting down the days until you reach what you believe will make you happy, what makes you so sure that goal will make you happy? Are you sure you will not be so addicted to the rush of reaching a goal that you will blur the lines between a high and happiness? Will you every be truly satisfied? It is vital to realize that life depends on your mindset. How you view each journey determines whether you leave this world full of regret or satisfaction. Satisfaction does not depend on how many goals you reach. Yes have goals, but I implore that you value the time you spend reaching them. I also beg that you read this with an open mind rather than believing I am delusional. I can do nothing more than attempt to persuade you to reflect on what you want your journey to look like. In the great words of the 2023 Miss Universe, "if not now, then when?"

With this comes the question of how do we find happiness in our journey? This is a complex question that likely goes beyond the scope of a blog post, but the biggest lesson I've learned was to pursue whatever you want. Medicine is amazing as it needs people with all interests and backgrounds because patients come with all interests and backgrounds. Spending a small portion of your week dedicated to any random activity you find yourself truly excited for, will make the difference between a tiresome dreadful week and a fun, efficient, refreshing week. I found myself being excited to volunteer at a school for girls working to empower young women. I looked forward to the projects and constantly wanted to do my best. I did not need to join this organization, but I did it because I wanted to. Finally doing something for myself, brought me to not only enjoy my time there but also my time everywhere else. I looked forward to starting my day and found happiness in every thing on my schedule.

Now you! What do you care about? What gives you energy? If you are genuinely excited by research, join a lab. There is another blog post regarding finding research. If you are refreshed by service, volunteer with communities you care about. If you are excited to cook, join a kitchen and serve those who may not be able to afford food. If you feel most like yourself when you sing or act or play video games or build models, pursue that! If you cannot find what fits your wants, start it!! No matter how mundane your interests may seem to you, they will always be worth your time.

Never forget what you enjoy because that makes you uniquely you. It is so easy to get pigeon holed into trying to fit what you think people or admissions wants you to be, but once you lose yourself, will you be able to provide the best care possible? If you are not happy or satisfied, how will that effect your patients? This is just my philosophy so take it with a grain of salt. I encourage you to think about how you're viewing your journey and if you were given the chance to do it again, would you want to relive this life?