I overheard a conversation earlier about what traits you'll be needing to enter the medical field. So i decided to take a whack at the topic, to help shed light on it.
1. Brains - First and foremost, you need the brains. Not just any normal brain, but one of those filled with gyri just like Einstein had. There are hundreds of concepts that you have to wrap your brain around, learn and memorize, and put into every day life. An easy way to memorize and prepare for them, is to associate concepts or theories (or diseases) with friends or families so you can put a face to it.
2. A Good Study habit - I noticed that as i went higher and higher up the educational ladder, exams became harder and harder. Establishing a good study habit from childhood, and carrying into adult life is key to good grades, and eventually, success. Honestly, I went through physical therapy cramming before exams, and tackling my life, day by day. So you're probably wondering, "What the heck is he talking about?". Dude, take it from me. Crazy slackers know a thing or two about life, and they how it is not to have that advantage.
3. Supporting Parents - Now, this is ESSENTIAL. A truly supportive parent and family system is very very helpful for kids. Parents, try not to fight infront of children, or turn your homes into houses. (more on that later). The home is the place where every member of the family should be safe and secure, and family dynamics play a role in the overall development. Do I really need to explain this?
4. Positive Outlook - Remember that old story about "if you think your cross is too much of a burden to bear, look at others"? It just might be. In fact, you just reading this blog may already mean angat ka na over hundreds of millions who cant even drink water or eat 3 meals a day. Be thankful for everyday, nay, every second you live. Dont always think problems are there to bother you, think of them as challenges to better yourself! Like one FB post i saw, "If you are down and lonely, think that somewhere in the world, someone is pushing on a door that says pull."
5. God - He's the big guy up there watching over anything. Dont worry, he doesnt get angry or snobs you or leaves you hanging, he is there, and always will be, for you. He has a grand plan for each of us, and it will be awesome. Dont worry.
6. Social Skills - You're going to need to get along. Sometime, or someday, you'll need help from someone. Dont snob anyone. Be helpful and friendly. It pays off, believe me. Karma is lightning fast, especially the good kind. Man, if i had a piso everytime being friendly has helped (i would have a pocketful of coins, but thats not the point).
7. Perseverance - Probably on of the more important traits. One of my closest's friends asked me, "How did you survive medschool?" Well, thats easy. I just kept my head down, focused on the task at hand, and finished it. Sometimes, standing out in a crowd isnt the way to go. Everything in life is a right of passage, be it gradeschool, highschool, college, or some ridiculously crazy post-grad course.
My best advice on how to tackle post-highschool life?
Well, one of my Idols back then had a saying for when life started to become hard, and others were successful and "unreachable".
Well, one of my Idols back then had a saying for when life started to become hard, and others were successful and "unreachable".
"Nauna lang kayo."
:) God bless you all!
