Tragic Loss Inspires Medical Student To Pursue A Dream Deferred
While studying at Spelman my junior year, I lost my oldest sister, Angel, to stage four triple negative breast cancer. I was devastated, faced with the decision to continue my studies or take a break from my education. I chose to stay the course because that’s what she would have encouraged me to do.The aftermath of my sister’s death took a toll on my grades. Although the road was full of bumps and potholes of obstacles I graduated on time from Spelman.
Ready to Live
Following her death, I dealt with much grief and depression, seriously contemplating suicide. I wanted to trade places with her on numerous occasions. This pain affected me to the point where it was hard to eat some days, and it was even more challenging to wake up. It seemed like medical school was out of the question and that my dream was going to end there.
However, I refused to give up my pursuit of becoming a doctor. I came to realize that my destiny was more important than my desires. I started to throw myself into new opportunities that I would have never attempted to think about before her death. Angel had taught me to travel and try new things, so I started living in order to honor her life instead of focusing on her death.