Reposted from @boss_ladymd - Nothing about my journey has been "traditional". I hated school and vowed to never go back after graduating from high school. I entered the work force full time working in the cafeteria at St. Mary's hospital (throwback lol). It was there that my childhood dream of becoming a doctor was resuscitated. God kept revealing to me that there was a greater purpose for my life. So, I quit my job and moved with no money, no plan, just a dream. . I started at the community college and worked my butt off to get my degrees, all while getting married and having children along the way. I took the MCAT (a.k.a. the medical school admissions test) 3 times, I applied to medical school twice. I started a career as a teacher but was consistently reminded that it was not my final destination. After 2 years, I did one of the hardest things I had to do on this journey; I quit my comfortable job so that I could continued on this "pursuit to Medicine" (people thought I was crazy). I went and earned my Master's degree and FINALLY, a door was opened and I was accepted into med school. But, the obstacles did not stop. My finances, relationships, marriage, and even my helath (both mental and physical) was tested. I had to spend thousands of dollars to retake one of my board exams (Step 2 CS). The list of bs continues BUT God! He continues to allow me to defy the odds, despite opposition 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 . I say all of this to say that the road to this MD has not been without trials, obstacles, or failures. There were many times that I felt like giving up; but, it was during those times that I found my greatest strength. My weakest points forced me to rise to my full potential. . Faith, resilience, and determination are essential components to success. I share my journey because I know that everyone has deep reserves of potential and ability that, if channeled correctly, can enable them to do extraordinary things in life. Statistics are meant to be changed. Rules are meant to be broken. Tap into your potential! . . #Myjourney #DelayedButNotDenied #MotivationMonday #MDLoading #blackdoctorslounge #whitecoatsblackdoctors #melanindoc #doctormom https://www.instagram.com/p/ByWuWD6HQTO/?igshid=1irga7lqh0i05