Glass Half-Full

“It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”

David Steindl-Rast

My pastor posed a challenge to us last week: to write down what we are thankful for. I generally am a pretty positive person. Some may find it odd, but life is so short that I just don’t have the energy to dwell on the small things or worry about what I cannot change. I am grateful to have my health, a roof over my head, food to eat, a family who loves me, friends who support me, mentors who guide me and opportunities to grow. This week has brought many a smile to my face. Lord knows we could use some light these days. In school, I’ve been taking an elective course for the past two weeks where we’ve learned how educators think through and design curricula.  We contributed our unique perspectives as students and in the end helped make some (hopefully!) positive changes to the clerkship orientation our third-year friends will receive shortly. I’m eager to see how everything unfolds in the coming weeks.

My work tutoring has reminded me how much I’ve learned, as well as how much I’ve grown in my comfort with teaching. There’s nothing better than seeing that look when someone finally understands a concept or begins to realize how much they really do know. To quote one of my friends, they’re learning to “trust the cobwebs”. There was a time when the thought of being asked to speak in front of the class would give me palpitations. During solo and ensemble contest as a high school student, I remember having to restart a piece I was singing because I was so nervous. Being put on the spot gives me anxiety, but I’ve learned to channel it. My voice trembles less. My hands no longer shake uncontrollably. Giving a full presentation about a topic important to me now feels like something I could envision doing as a resident educator and beyond. I enjoy teaching and look forward to learning how to do so better in the future.

My favorite moments are when I see others succeed. I can’t wait to see my friends start medical school, choose their residency programs, find their voices on rotations, discern the specialties they will pursue. Those moments give me life. I love introducing friends to the webinars the Med-Peds community has hosted and taking the time to provide what guidance I can to pre-med students. Giving back fills my cup until it’s overflowing. We’ve been given access to a world of opportunities many have been denied and others could only dream of. The question is, how will we leverage that access? It’s a humbling thought to be sure, but one I hope we will ponder as we strive to be better friends and neighbors to those around us.