I'm Studying Medicine And Struggling. What Do I Do?

This question was originally posted on Quora.com and was answered by Varsha Penneru, Young doctor



I couldn't stop myself from answering this question. My answer is going to be long and I apologise for that.
So here's my story:

When I was younger, I had amazing memory. I participated in a lot of competitions and won few medals when I was 3 years old. My parents wanted me to be a DOCTOR and I always pictured myself like that.

Fast forward to 2009, I lost interest in studying and I couldn't remember much. I dropped down to being an average student. Then, in my 12th boards (2012) I did not do well. I scored 70's in all my major subjects and that was not enough.
Being an NRI, we have limited options to crack an entrance. I wrote few examinations and failed. I couldn't secure a seat.

My mom fell sick. She underwent a surgery for gall bladder removal (cholestectomy) and the doctor "accidentally" cut the bile duct. She suffered. She hated being in the hospital for so long. Four people had to pick her up to take her to the washroom.
We had to invest money in few major operations and we were in short of money. And hence, we sold a lot of things to make up for it. My mom was sad, not because she was in pain, but because she cannot come to drop me in my college.
My parents sold a house, sold gold, took money from people and did everything they could so that I could get a medical seat. Reason: THEY BELIEVED IN ME.

I entered my college. Everyone's parents were around but I was alone. I knew I had to do this. I got into a medical college in a remote location. I was brought up in UAE and lived here for 15 years but now I stay in a town. Because, I wanted to do this. I wanted to prove myself that I am capable.

2013 : I failed in my first year. I had two subjects to clear and 6 months lag. I was devastated. My parents stood by me but something in me told me that may be I am not made for this. But, I remembered the struggles we went through; the house we sold, the gold we sold, the loans we had and I decided that I need to work. I studied hard... 16 hours a day and I finally cleared my subjects and scored the highest in my college.
2015: second year - I loved being around patients. The respect they show for the White coat is amazing. I like healing people from physical suffering. The smile on their face, the joy in the family are priceless.
I passed my second year in first class.
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A STORY: A father and his son were in a gold mine and were digging for gold. They worked very hard for it for many weeks. They poured everything they had into it because it was their dream. But as days passed by, they got tired of it. Their hope dwindled and withered. They dug everyday but did not see any progress and they finally QUIT. They gave up.
After few days, another man went to the same gold mine in search of gold and after digging 3 feet, he found it. The news spread and the father and son were devastated and wished to go back in time. They were THREE FEET FROM GOLD.

So, that's where you are now. Move ahead. The end result will be fruitful. You'll be amazed at your own journey and how far you've come.
I told you a part of my story because I want you to understand that it's not easy. Medicine is one the most challenging professions. Just think of people who could kill to be in your place right now. People who are studying day and night to get a seat into a college. Think about the hardwork you put into.
Trust me, work now. Give it your best shot. Motivate yourself. Being a doctor is not easy, being able to save a life is not easy. They say doctors are next to God and being next to god is no easy. You are gifted with capability. Even after the mistakes in your OMR you did it. It's only a rough phase. And yes, finally, DONT EVER COMPRE YOURSELF TO YOUR BATCHMATES. Compete with yourself.

All the best my friend. I don't know if my answer will help you but I tried

Edit:

Thank you for all the messages and love. So to add to this story, I wrote my final year exam on a stretcher with intravenous fluids going in me because I had hepatitis A. I did not give up even though I wanted to, I wrote my gynecology and paediatrics exam on a stretcher, half awake, puking and sleeping.

I passed. I scored the highest in my batch.

I guess in the end, hardwork and only hardwork comes around.

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