Full Circle

“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.”

Aesop

Last week, I saw so many virtual graduation photos on social media. Realizing that my friends here will soon be graduating as well, and that my class will then become the fourth years everyone looks up to is humbling. Soon, I’ll be expected to know things and teach others what I know, a thought that is frankly both amazing and frightening at the same time. Reflecting on the last few years, it’s incredible to see just how far I’ve come. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was the new kid on the block. I was in a new state, starting at a school where I knew no one, and trying to figure out my place in medicine. Since then, I’ve learned so much and grown not only in my understanding of medicine, but of myself as well. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given.

I recently had the privilege of sharing my journey to medical school with a group of St. Olaf pre-medical students. When telling him of this exciting opportunity, a mentor kindly reminded me that this is just the first of many similar invitations, though it seems so hard to imagine at the moment. Going back to speak at my alma mater was something I had wanted to do for years, but logistics and being so far away made it difficult to visit in person. It was a surreal moment where everything came full circle. I remember so vividly how appreciative I was when several recent graduates took time to return to campus and share a little about medical school during my time at St. Olaf. I had wanted to repay their kindness ever since. With everyone connecting virtually, it suddenly was possible to reach a group of students now scattered across the country. There were students from each year in attendance and all came armed with great questions. I feel like the virtual platform made it easier for me to be truly authentic with them as well. I was able to share how all of my best laid plans fell through (insert God laughing here) and that despite facing challenges, I was able to overcome them. In the end, my winding path led me right where I was meant to be.

The best question I was asked was the last. As the hour came to a close, the meeting host asked if I had one last piece of advice to give, what would it be? If I’ve learned one lesson thus far in life, it’s to never give up. Forget what the nay-sayers try to tell you. If you want to something, go for it! You’ll undoubtedly encounter challenges; failure is an inevitable part of the growth process. What’s more important is your response. When you encounter setbacks, don’t give up. Pick yourself up, reassess what you need to do differently and try again. My karate training has served me well here. I can’t tell you how many times I literally fell on my butt learning new techniques, or how many times I heard “Your other left Ms. Tich.” The persistence, goal orientation and discipline I developed have shaped me into the strong and resilient person I am today. I hope that I was able to offer the students a bit of encouragement in this season of overwhelming uncertainty. Though what the next weeks and months may hold is unclear, whatever challenges come next, I know I’ll face them head on with a little sass for good measure.