Mister premed @misterpremed - Tumblr Blog

3 Vital Thanksgiving Lessons I Learned

Today, I did something I have not done in several years: take a day off.

That means no social media. No studying. No neurotic thoughts about my future.

While I only started taking time off since early afternoon, I can already feel its advantageous effects on dealing with the burn out that I faced for the umpteenth time these past few weeks. With a re-write (I think I finally knocked it out of the park and then some) of the MCAT, completing research, going over 200+ applicants for a leadership program I coordinate, and medical school applications to 7 schools, I was out of stamina afterwards.

I was out of stamina… even though I barely touched my school work. While all of the aforementioned tasks were completed successfully, I had a midterm a few days after and I completely tanked it.

That’s when I knew I had to take time off.

I immediately dropped the course and enrolled into other courses because it changed a large chunk of my schedule, but I believe that even though my burn out caused a disappointing result, my ability to bounce back with my backup plan will actually help me reach my academic goals this year. Then after executing my backup plan, I took time off.

I am spending this time doing things I want to do, but also reflecting on 3 aspects of my life since this weekend is also conveniently Thanksgiving:

1. It’s hard for me. But it’s just as hard or even harder for others.

I’ve met many people from all walks of life. As a person who loves to listen, their stories of struggle have really inspired me to keep working hard towards my dreams. Many of these people have lost the chance to pursue their dreams or they have a much harder time reaching it than me. As someone who is pursuing medicine, I used to have a tunnel vision that medicine is much harder to attain than most other things. Now, I not only have the appreciation for others in their endeavours, but I use this as a way to keep strong. I’m excited. I’m close. And I know it.

2. People are my priority.

Think about it. As a pre-med, you’re struggling against others to do what? TO HELP PEOPLE. So we’re fighting to… help people. Keep thinking about it. Now… how ridiculous does that sound?

We’re stressed out, we give up so much, we keep fighting… to help people.

Like many others, I just want to use my future expertise to help people. I now realize, it’s not a race against others… it’s really a race against myself. If I don’t show enough competency to be a physician, then too bad. Move on, because you can help people in so many other ways. Medicine is great, but it isn’t everything.

With this mindset, you can relax a little and realize that as long as you keep up your good work and push yourself to be a better person every day, you’ll be fine. You’ll end up somewhere good.

This mindset has also taught me to be more empathetic. To be a better listener. To be someone to help others (friends, family, or even strangers). To be altruistic. To be a helping hand. To fight for others.

3. Don’t be complacent. Strive for greatness.

For a while when I was burnt out, I just wanted to give up. I wanted to “take it easy”.

Burning out can really make you think of ridiculous things, eh?

For a while now, I realize I don’t want to be complacent. Medical school isn’t enough. I have my eyes on a few others major things and I don’t plan on letting up to not achieve them.

I want to be great. I want to go down in history as one of the greats.

Because… why wouldn’t you? If you work a little harder, if you sacrifice a little more… you may be able to achieve this greatness.

The difference this time around is that while I will aim for greatness, but I will take care of myself. Take appropriate breaks. Do things I love. Make backup plans. And live life more relaxed and happy.

I’ve already been through rough times. Things go up from here. I’m excited.

I hope my reflections can help you. If it’s tough for you, realize it’s tough for everyone. But just like you, we’re all in this struggle together.

Struggle makes us stronger and success is that much sweeter.

So keep working at your dreams. Don’t let up now. I’m rooting for you.

After my time off, I am excited to get back to school with the freshness and mentality that I lost for a while. This is probably as good as I’ve felt in years - this is going to be a good year.

Make sure to take time off and do things you love because it’ll pay huge dividends like it will for me!

Until next time!

- J

Also, fingers crossed that the Jays win tonight! As a die-hard fan as a child, I feel like I’m a Blue Jay. Down 0-2, but not out. Greatness comes when we find a way around the toughest situations.

On Stress, Depression, and the Path towards Happiness

They say a picture is worth a thousand words… but I think this title is worth even more.

I believe that everyone has a threshold to which they can handle stress and expectations. Some thresholds are higher, some lower. But there is a limit to how much we can ultimately deal with before we… (holds breath) burn out.

About 4 years ago, I dedicated a future to medicine. About 3 years ago, I was dead set on getting into my dream school for medicine. 2 years ago, I was getting tired of high school and I was ready to tackle university so that I could get into medicine faster. 1 year ago, I was dead set on getting into medicine as an early applicant. As of writing… these things are no longer the case.

There are many reasons why this is no longer the case, but the biggest one is that I officially burned out… like once every two to three weeks these past two semesters. Imagine burning out but knowing that you cannot burn out and then trying to deal with it. Only to figure out that this recovery is short-lived because you burn out again after a few weeks.

I swear I lost weight dealing with stress and pressure these past few months. The amount of cortisol in my body on some days are insanely high. I had breakfast at 4pm some days. I wrote the MCAT with only 3 weeks prep. I maintained 4 extracurriculars, requiring 30+ hours a week. I was aiming for a perfect GPA. And of course I had other things to deal with. All of these culminated towards insanity. But I had no time to worry about it or even say no. I just had to deal with it (oh and this is why I don’t “go out”, not that I don’t want to but one night of fun equals to another all-nighter).

The battle scars… truly ran deep.

I began acting less and less like myself… feeling things weren’t good enough, and really drowning into a cycle of near-depression. This… couldn’t be the way I wanted to pursue medicine… what was wrong with me?

Here’s the thing: I’m a very independent person at times and I like to deal with situations by myself at my own rate. So for the first time in my life a few months ago, I decided to reduce my stress and see what would happen.

Fast forward a few months later to now, and I have never felt better with dealing with pressure. I have been much happier and even when I sometimes don’t meet expectations, I just pick myself back up quickly, realize my mistakes, and work even harder. I’m even able to pass my newfound advice to others. I believe that as long as you work hard, you don’t need to be ashamed of failure because you’ve already tried your best. My best advice to you is work hard and smart and stay humble.

Many people just think I’m “med or bust” and that I’m impervious to failure or bad grades. Maybe before, but quite the contrary now. I’ve developed a much more open mind for things outside of medicine and to be honest… I shared my story to show that I probably have failed more than you and that I have felt all of the consequences too. It’s horrendous to go through but awesome to recount because I was able to fight through all of it. And I am confident that whatever difficulties you are going through… you can overcome just like I have. It takes so much out of you. But… it’s doable. If you need someone to talk to, I’m always available.

So… that’s my story. What’s yours?

Now or Never

No room for error anymore for this semester.

#clutchtime

A Painful Seven Weeks, MCAT, and Pursuing Your Passions

The early December to mid-January stretch will probably mark six of the most crucial weeks of my undergraduate career. It was within that small period of time that I took all of my metaphorical chips and… went all in.

And while I don’t exactly know if I will bear the fruits of my labour, I am happy to have made it out of those six weeks feeling a surge of optimism, confidence, and excitement.

The Medical College Admissions Test may be done forever for me.

Although it has been two weeks removed since I wrote the MCAT, I spent an entire week equilibriating (that’s got to be a word, right?) into the world of four extracurriculars, academics, (im)proper sleep, and just life in general.

So I guess make that seven gruelling weeks beginning with two exams in December within 2 hours of each other, one of which was third year Medical Biophysics course (as a second year) that I actually lucked into getting extra time to finish writing. I got exactly the mark (A+) I was dreaming of chasing the entire semester after scoring a C in my very first assignment in the course… and then probably losing weight stressing about whether or not I should have dropped the course for an entire month. Thankfully I didn’t because besides the awesome mark, I made quite a few friends that really made my undergraduate experience a lot better!

I started studying for the MCAT a few hours after my last exam and never looked back for 3 weeks. 3 weeks of 13 (something like that) hours a day of studying with each night being the same episode of passing out in my bed at 3AM. Even when I met up with friends, I met up with them at the library… when everyone else was having fun and recovering from exams, I just put my head down and powered through. Funny anecdote: I also fell asleep at a family gathering. You give me a chair and a dimly lit place, and I guarantee I’ll fall asleep.

I still actually have this problem – I think I’ve just been overworking… that’s what happens when balancing so many things, stretching yourself thin, and giving yourself a need to strive for excellence.

Anyways, I wrote the MCAT on a cold Saturday morning after the first week of school in January (it was great to start off the new year by skipping all my classes!), and it was an interesting experience. They took my fingerprints, scanned me for metal, and made sure I wasn’t a different person between breaks.

I’m glad it was done and that I took the challenge of studying something intensely with less than a month of practice. I did wish that I had more time to do more questions, but it’s crazy how much you can accomplish in three weeks if you have a bit of fear, determination, and focus. While marks are not out for another 2-3 weeks, I know that I’m waiting on 1 particular mark out of 3. Good and I’m good to apply for medicine this August and September (basically hermit round 2) or I can rewrite with the huge body of study knowledge already and then still apply this year.

It’s actually very crazy now that life is almost back to normal that if I finish these few months strong and power through the summer that it may be it for applications sake. And then I cross my fingers.

I’m not caught up on the excitement right now. I really want to make this semester the best I’ve ever had and I’ve been well ahead in everything I’ve been doing.

One thing that I’ve been working on is a scholarship that may grant a Me to We Trip – and I’m really hoping to go to Rural China and teaching students English and, most importantly, film a documentary.

Film a documentary? Yes!

As crazy as it sounds, I’m a big fan of filmmaking (directing, editing, writing, etc. and I’ve had quite a bit of experience) and during these seven weeks, I realize that life’s a lot more than medicine. While medicine’s a great foundation for the future, my heart has always been with the creative aspect of things – filmmaking, sports journalism, technology, and etc. While I will still be pursuing medicine, it’s a good time to start diversifying and start pursuing and chasing things that I would dream of doing on the side too (or even more than on the side).

To bigger and better things! 2015 has finally arrived for me.

I will vow to keep this more updated – these past months have been more grueling than expected.

The Three Questions You Need to Ask Yourself

For the past 18 months, I’ve lived in a perilous world that is populated with pre-meds gunning for trifecta of marks, extra-curricular and research positions, and acceptances to medical school. It really is a warground out there.

But every year about a fifth to a quarter of the population no longer needs to endure the uncertainty and cut-throat nature of this world. They’ve been accepted.

I sure hope 2016 is my year.

As I look back from the last time I’ve blogged, it’s been almost exactly 18 months since I got rejected from my top 2 choices of university. Logically I’ve gone to my 3rd choice, but it may actually end up being the best of the three.

While it is true that about 50% of those in the program of my first choice end up in medical school and a person who got into my second choice got in after 3 years of undergrad (which is what I hope to accomplish), I’ve been quite optimistic. No, I lie. I’ve felt down. No but seriously, I’ve been flip-flopping towards the answer of 3 big questions:

Am I doing enough?

Am I happy with what I’m doing?

Is what I’m doing right?

1. Am I doing enough?

This is supposed to be the easiest to answer out of all three questions. And I’m still struggling to find the answer. In short, yes. Well, more like 90% yes.

The transition from first year to second year is bad. Not the coursework (which I actually find is easier to manage, but there’s just a lot of menial things), but extra-curriculars. Almost 30 hours a week. That’s more than 4 hours a day. Even in the summer, I ended up logging more than 40 hours a week of extra-curriculars (thank goodness I was compensated quite well).

This isn’t normal… it’s only maybe normal if one wants to get in after 3rd year. And even then, is that enough? Is that too much?

I suppose I’m satisfied with the quality and quantity of the things I’m doing. Grades are good too (this is the tougher semester of the two in my second year and I’m doing even better than in first year…). My time management is still pretty bad. I know that, and I need to continue working on it.

2. Am I happy with what I’m doing?

In short, ehhh. I’ve definitely set myself up so that medicine is totally feasible to pursue, but I really don’t want to have any alternate plans (even though I should). It’s not that I’m stuck-up, stubborn, or the like. It’s simply because… I can’t seem to find anything else (not just in science, but any field) I’d ever pursue.

That’s actually why I knew I wanted to do medicine.

And I suppose what I’m doing right now is high risk, high reward. Ugh. Ambivalence and uncertainty – that’s a pretty bad duo.

3. Is what I’m doing right?

This refers to if the choices I made are right. No clue. I mean, I don’t even know where I’ll end up so no answer is possible right now. I sure what I’m doing is mostly right.

The thing is, I really hope everything works out. I’ve made a ton of sacrifices that were necessary but may totally backfire – and I think I’ll be in pretty big trouble if that’s the case.

Expect a new blog post every week! I miss writing these and they really help me collect my thoughts. They also show the relaxed conversational writer that I like to be.

Ask yourself these three questions. They can be very helpful and powerful.

To apologize for this hiatus, I’ll have another post ready tomorrow.

Cheers!

- J

Vote for Change!

VOTE HERE: http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf18119

The Story

Toronto. Waterloo. Hamilton. One night, three different University freshmen from three major cities chattered about their fondest and worst memories of high school. As the conversation continued, the three traded sad stories about peers whose legs broke after ski accidents and others whose houses burnt down. Following these unexpected and uncontrollable hardships, these students often suffered from a great deal of financial debt and trauma, and their grades usually plummeted. In one of the scenarios, a group of teachers gathered together to collect money in order to provide accommodations for the student whose lost her home. We all agreed that it was a fantastic, selfless idea. We came to one conclusion - why don't schools have a fund allocated for shelter and necessities whenever a student was in financial, emotional, physical, or social peril? Why can't we make this a continuous support system instead of just the one time that the teachers got together to fundraise? Thus, Students Care Canada (SCC) was introduced.

What is SSC?

Students Care Canada (SCC) is a not-for-profit organization introduced to kick-start a fund for students in need after suffering from a traumatic incident. Such incidents may include major injuries, burned down houses, attempted suicides, and abuse from others. SCC will, at first, take action in London, Ontario, and expand to nearby cities (Toronto, Waterloo, and Hamilton) at the high school level.

Structure of SCC Schools who choose to be a part of SCC will hold annual fundraising events to raise money their own school. All of the money raised will go towards providing care packages for the students of that school.

Care packages include a toiletry package, a food and clothing package, a hospitality package, and etc.

Us three co-founders will create EVERY SINGLE package.

Our Vision Students Care Canada understands that children are the leaders of tomorrow and the future of the nation. We wish to give every single student an equal opportunity to succeed without feeling pressure from unforeseeable circumstances. Thus, we strive to help create a world in which no student in need will feel alone or hopeless.

VOTE FOR US!!!

Aviva Insurance is holding a community fund competition with funding going towards the ideas with the most votes!

Please support our idea by voting ONCE A DAY.

You can connect with your Facebook account and then vote (don't worry, it's very safe) or you can sign up on Aviva to help us out!

We need as many votes as we can and if you want to see change, it's only a few clicks away!

VOTE HERE: http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf18119

Thanks guys!

Why I Work Hard

It's been quite a while since I've posted! Summer's been quite unexpectedly fantastic (though I'd rather not jinx it as who knows what August will bring...).

I've spent much time commuting between subway stations and often I get very philosophical as I reflect on my life, what I've done and what I want to get done.

I realized that a lot of people remark that I work hard, in fact I work too hard. Here's exactly why I work hard and how I fuel my unmatched drive (note: this applies for me and may not be applicable for you):

1. The Uncertainty of a Life Science Degree

Medical Science, Life Science, Biomedical Science, Health Science, they have very few differences. But think about it. Every year tens of thousands of med-hopefuls (and hopefuls to get into other professional schools) enroll in these "life sciences" programs with high hopes.

Unfortunately, most people's dreams take quite big setbacks. Not everyone can be what they want.

What's even worse, if one doesn't get into a professional school after their B. Sc, they can't do much with their degree. Lab Technician? No, it's not some backup. It requires even more schooling at the graduate level just to make $25-35/hour. There's even a 25% acceptance rate only.

That's why I work hard: High School was an experiment, undergrad is when I'll kick it into high gear, get that high GPA and make sure my dreams don't get crushed.

2. To Get Respect

Many people know of me just from my never-dying motor. People have respect for me because they know that I work hard, get that high mark in that course, etc.

Respect is hard to earn and it can get you very far. Whether it's making more friends or getting more opportunities, working harder than the average person doesn't seem so bad now, huh?

3. Because I'm Not Really "Smart"

Why do I seem to do well in math? Well that's because I've worked hard in Saturday School and I already know the stuff.

I work hard to cover up the fact that I'm not gifted, that I'm not smart. I have other strong skills nevertheless and working hard seems to cover my gaps and get me to wherever I want to go even without being smart.

Trust me on this one.

4. To Get Lucky

I'm not talking about the Daft Punk song here. I'm talking about the idea that the harder I work, the luckier I get. Why? How is that possible?

The harder I work, the more opportunities I get, the more people I know, the more respect I get. And so one thing leads to another, and I manage to "get lucky" and get what I want.

Examples: I didn't randomly get the chance to participate in the Operating Room (I actually cut some stitches at the end of an operation), or be able to work in a lab without hard work and persistence. I also didn't randomly get a chance to do research this September either.

5. Lack of Connections

In my family, most people are in IT or business or computing. I'm one of the few who are genuinely involved and interested in medicine. Well, I'm out of luck if I need to help of my family.

I've got to get opportunities myself as I'll be competing against others who have families with clinics, who have donated huge sums of money to schools and hospitals, and have family members who are physicians. I've got to count on myself.

6. Because It's Too Easy To Be Average

People think I'm crazy when I say I'm really unsatisfied with my life. That's because I always surround myself with as much talent as I can and that makes me feel bad about myself.

Instead of being average, I decided that it's more fun in life to set unrealistic expectations (which is really helpful) and really work hard until I give up, until I feel satisfied. Trust me, I'm not satisfied with my life at all at this moment.

7. I'm Addicted to Medicine

If you love something (medicine, helping others and putting smiles on their faces), you can attain success if you are addicted to attaining such success.

Everyday I wake up with a conceived plan towards my dream in mind, and honestly that makes my motor ready to take on anything.

At 110%, baby. I'll never stop. And now you know.

The $65 Lesson

Short story time.

Today I was at the hospital, observing the operating room, and I was asked to put my belongings into a locker, but I didn't have a lock. The locker room required an access key to enter and people never usually steal from closed lockers without a lock (based on experience), and so I put my stuff into a locker, closed it, and then not lock it.

I came back with a surprise.

$65 from my wallet. Disappeared. Poof.

I looked at my empty wallet and was relieved that the thief didn't take my bus tickets or my identification (how lucky I was...sarcasm...).

However, I wanted to punch myself in the face for losing the money I so slowly saved up.

If there's one thing I have taught myself, it is that: never cut corners and hope for the best (in this case, hope that no one would steal from a closed, unlocked locker). People can be very greedy and one must take great precautions.

I guess that makes sense with my future work and my future in medicine too. Don't partake in shortcuts.

Please don't pity me though, that's not what I'm asking for. I also won't complain like other people whose belongings have been stolen because I was really dumb this time around.

However, on the bright side, it was only $65 this time (it's still a lot of money but it could have been so much worse).

Now I know better and I'll be a million times more careful next time because who knows, next time it probably won't be a $65 mistake.

(yes, I may actually put money and ID in my shoe if I need to in the future)

4 Programs That Every Med Hopeful Should Know Of

Oh man, it's been quite some time since I've written a blog post!

With exams finally done (and many sleepless nights), in this new installment of my blog, I want to examine 4 university programs that every neurotic high school pre-med (like myself) should know of and my opinions/analyses.

That's right - not every life science program is the same.

I will write in order of most prestigious and rewarding to least.

1. QuARMs (Queen's University Accelerated Route to Medical School) (1% acceptance rate, increases per round)

QuARMs is arguably the most prestigious program in all of Canada - even outside of life sciences. 10 exceptional students (I've read that they look for those who also meet the standards of Loran Award Scholars) from across the country are GUARANTEED (well, like 99%) to become a physician in 6 years.

They take 2 years undergrad in Arts and Science and Queens and matriculate in year 3 to their medical school towards an MD.

My Thoughts: This was my dream program. I mean, what more can one ask for? If I knew about this program a lot earlier, I'd try to increase my chances of getting into it. The only drawback is that if you're not committed to becoming a physician before heading off to university, this may not be right for you. This is absolutely perfect and it made total sense that I got rejected from it (it's way too tough).

If you're planning to go to the States, consider Brown's PLME program. It's exactly like Queen's program, but the US version of it. (Plus, Brown's an ivy league for all you eager beavers!)

2. McMaster Health Science (6-7% acceptance rate)

Okay, so I got rejected from this program too. 230 spots for 3000-4000 applicants. That's tough, yo. It's been noted that 50% of their students end up in medical schools and another huge chunk end up in other professional schools.

So, what's the trick? Well, Mac Health Sci focuses on self-directed learning and learning towards maturity. That and they have great support and a nice lounge in their building.

My Thoughts: Yeah, what I said above. Now, not everyone will fit Health Sci - that's the purpose of the supplementary applications (to figure out who would fit in, though I personally believe that 3 short essays cannot possibly determine someone's personality well). I don't feel sad that I got rejected because I wasn't rejected from #3....

3. Western's Scholar's Electives (5% acceptance rate)

This is really underrated. Not because I got in and I'm trying to advertise my accolades (which is just bad), but rather this program is a "hidden gem".

Scholar's Electives is a program that provides similar support as in Mac Health Sci (course structure differs though), except to only 50 first year students at Western University. These 50 first year students are able/ guaranteed to do research with a professor (one-on-one) during years two and three.

My Thoughts: I am going to Western! I have already fallen in love with this program before heading off to uni and this is why you should too: the support is just phenomenal.

Usually staff in universities don't have a lot of time to respond to each and every one of your inquiries - the Scholar's Electives Student Support coordinator does. I am the type of guy who asks a billion questions via email. I get a response within a day. It's amazing.

Doing research with a prof is so underrated. It's often the dealbreaker for a lot of people because it's so good for your own personal exploration to quench your thirst for curiosity and it's amazing on graduate/professional school applications. You have a reference in your prof/academic mentor and you conduct research in what you want and you have the resources, support, and knowledge.

People tell me, "well, I'm not going into research, so that's not that appealing". WRONG. I'm not going into research either. Don't you ever want to apply what you learn in class? Research is how you do so.

I don't consider myself an elitist for being in Scholar's Electives, don't get me wrong. I am just really thankful that I was lucky enough to get in. It'll make my transition to university great.

4. Any Research Scholarships and Other Program Add-Ons

Examples include: York's Research Scholarships, Ottawa's Research Scholarships (I got the interview and travelled 5 hours there and got rejected...), Brock's Med-Plus program, etc.

I want to quickly talk about Brock's Med-Plus program. Yes, people laugh at Brock all the time, but I like their Med-Plus program. It gives students the chance to actually interact with their local hospitals and work and have more exposure to those surroundings. That's pretty cool.

So, not all Life Sciences programs are created equally. Do some research and take note of "hidden gems" and apply to them. I'm lucky to have gotten into one of them and I'm excited for university!

Enjoy the summer! (I'll be posting more often now)

Enjoying Prom... for Dummies!

Our high school prom took place last week and I honestly had to say that it was good. Excellent. Fun. Bittersweet.

Before prom, I was really worried that I wouldn't enjoy the night and that it would just happen before my eyes. I was worried that it wouldn't be fun or that the food was bad, etc, etc.

My prom was great probably because I had a few pieces of advice in my mind that I'd like to share with everyone who's going to prom in the future:

1. The food is mediocre. I honestly believe that they make the food sub-par so there's more dinner conversation.

Conspiracy theories, huh? Well, the salad we had was way too fancy for my liking (but I guess that's why our tickets were so dang expensive), the chicken was dry (if that's moist then the chicken that I'd like to eat probably sweats... so no the chicken was not moist), and the dessert was actually okay.

2. We shouldn't equate the cost of our prom tickets with the food or the experience...

Prom's not a night to penny-pinch. Yes, $80 (plus limo money) is a lot, but it's worth it. How many more proms do you have in your life?

3. ...but the limo isn't as great as it seems.

I think I prefer a ride from my parents over a limo any day.

4. You have to dance...

I think that a big part of prom is the dancing. Don't get too hung over taking pictures that you don't have the time to dance. It's the spirit of prom.

5. ...I don't care if you're a bad dancer (like me), just go dance!

No one's going to judge your dancing (America's Got Talent isn't going to show up and critique you...). Do whatever you like to do on the dance floor and just enjoy the music, and enjoy the experience.

6. Make sure you say hi to all of your friends.

How often will you see your friends in suits and dresses?

7. It's okay to do stupid things, just don't be too stupid.

Self-explanatory.

8. Don't be afraid to ask someone to prom!

You aren't committed to your date for the rest of your life. It's just one night! Go with a friend, or go with someone who you'd like to share a special night with. Simple.

9. Don't spend too much money on suits or dresses.

Spend in an affordable manner. Prom's one night, and how you look is important, but not the most important thing.

10. Don't just stand there, don't just sit there, have fun!

If you follow these 10 tips, you're (almost) guaranteed a fun night at prom! Don't expect prom to be perfect. The things you imagine you'll do - half of them may happen - and some things that you'd never imagine you'd do, don't be surprised if you do them.

Don't plan too much for prom. The unexpected makes life fun.

Prom can be fun. Even for dummies like myself.

5 Lessons I Learned From the Valedictorian Process

I apologize for the gap between this post and my previous one!

Anyways, so today was our school's awards ceremony. Barring the several awards I won, I was extremely nervous as the name of the valedictorian for our 2012-2013 graduating class was called out.

I had been one of our school's three finalists and my friend told me that people would give up their left arm to be in position to earn this honour.

And as another finalist's name was called out and was named the valedictorian, I recalled all the times I came up short in life: Top 10 in DECA provincials but not Top 5 (so I didn't qualify for ICDC) for two years in a row (though in my second year, people didn't go so a spot opened up for me), and 5th place at the badminton city championships (my partner and I needed to be top 4 to reach the Ontario provincial championships).

Then, after a few tears, I returned back to my usually cheerful attitude because I learned 5 things:

1. Elections are often based on popularity. The more well-known a person is, the more likely he or she will be chosen.

I can't control that. I'm not whining about that either.

2. I should learn to be more grateful of my opportunities.

People who were more qualified for this honour than I was weren't even chosen as finalists. I was really lucky at the start.

3. This election and application process reminded me of all the friends and achievements that I've had throughout my high school career.

This voting and application process really reminded me that, despite all of my shortcomings, I've grown quite a lot during these four years.

4. I am learning to know how to handle losses better.

No one wins everything in life. Not even 50% of the things, I believe. I'll definitely have more failures and more successes as my life progresses and I need to make sure that I take my losses better and make them the reason I succeed.

5. My dreams can definitely become reality.

If you asked me 4 years ago if I could even have a chance at valedictorian, I'd laugh. If you asked me several days ago though, I would have said that it's very much a possibility. I believe that this mentality will help me reach even the most ridiculous of dreams and feats as long as I put my best foot forward.

I want to thank everyone for voting, especially those who voted for me. It really means a lot. I also want to thank everyone who helped me get through this supposedly-disappointing result and I truly am grateful for the friends and opportunities that I have. Thank you again.

2 - LeBron James and Medical School.

I used to detest LeBron James.

Though he is the best basketball player of our generation, I hated him when he made a national documentary about his "Decision" to switch teams. He was a villain and I always thought he was extremely full of himself and he was an attention-seeker.

Then he choked on the world's biggest stage in basketball - the 2011 NBA Finals. Not once, not twice, not three times, but he choked 4 times. After losing the Championship, he was placed under severe scrutiny and was called "Le-choke". People believed that he suffered such a tumultuous setback that he would never be able to conquer.

That's when I started gaining respect for LeBron - I found a personal connection with him. We both had failed to capture our elusive dreams - he wanted to win the Championship, and I wanted to get into my top program (McMaster Health Sciences).

We both suffered setbacks that hurt us even more because we saw others succeed when we failed. As I saw others get into the program that I wanted to, I questioned myself over and over again.

Was I not good enough or was I never meant to go through this path to get to medical school? Why wasn't I chosen? What set the others (who were accepted) apart for me? Would I never get to medical school because I didn't get into Health Science?

LeBron failed during the biggest moment in his career and he had to start all over again. Another new season, another 100 or so games before he got back to the NBA Finals. This time around, he did it. He became a Champion and he showed great perseverance, charisma, and passion in his journey.

I have to do that too. I was pushed down when I was rejected and my three years of undergrad will be like LeBron's Championship season. I'll exhibit the same passion and the same drive that LeBron showed. It's my time to succeed and in three years, I promise to win the biggest prize, admission to medical school.

That's why LeBron is an amazing athlete. I'm excited to embark on this journey of resilience and I'm ready. I'm "on the ball".

For everyone reading this: Even if you choke during your biggest moment in life, just understand that we all will have our setbacks. Our response to such setbacks are integral to our ultimate success.

I'm excited for the next three years.

I - Why I Made this Blog

McMaster Health Science. This was the program I was dying to be admitted into ever since I heard about it three years ago.

A few days ago (last Wednesday, to be exact), I was rejected.

"Unfortunately, after careful consideration, we are not able to offer you admission..."

It hit me pretty hard for the ten minutes after I read this email. I read the email over again. And again. And another ten times.

I just couldn't believe it. I was rejected. I wasn't good enough, smart enough, and wasn't qualified to study in this internationally-recognized program.

I began to ask myself: Have all those hours of writing the supplementary application for this program gone to waste? Am I just not the cream of the crop that this program asked for? Would I never get into medical school and become the physician I've always envisioned myself to become?

The answer was in short: yes and no.

Though I did "waste" hours writing the application for this program and later get rejected, I realized that it wasn't that I wasn't smart or good enough.

I didn't sell myself well enough. The admissions committee doesn't know who I am. They never followed my life, see how hard I work, how much effort I put into my extra-curriculars, etc. They don't know who I am.

Though my friends always thought I deserved to get into the program, and the one person who was simply against the entire philosophy of the program got in, I found the silver lining.

I hope you will join me during these next three years as I embark on the journey often traveled: the journey of a premed. Together, we'll get through each semester, each major exam, each obstacle, and each success and/or failure along the way.

You ready? I am. Let's go.

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