I left my first medical school interview thinking I completely blew it.
The interview was done in a group setting and I had trouble articulating unique points of view after speaking behind the 6 other candidates. Not only that, but the moderator seemed to disagree with all of my points.
I remember walking out of the interview feeling so sure I wouldn’t get into the school and generally embarrassed. I tried to take the experience as a learning opportunity, but felt defeated after the hours of preparation and practice I had done.
Turns out I got into the program, but what I took away from the experience was that even though we feel like we might be failing or “messing up,” we might just be over critical of ourselves. I had the same doom and gloom thoughts while prepping for the MCAT and at times while filling out my med school applications. “You might fail, you might not get in.”
If you are trying to get into med school or follow any other dream that feels, at times, impossible- keep going, know that we have all doubted ourselves.
One of the biggest adversities I faced in following my path to medicine was my own fear and limiting beliefs about myself. I almost let my fear hold me back from following this path. No one was stopping me from chasing this dream- my biggest obstacle was my own mind.
The best version of yourself, of your life, is on the other side of fear. So next time you try to talk yourself out of making the next big jump. Take the risk. Do that thing you’ve been putting off because you’re scared.
Overcoming the doubt, the limiting beliefs, will be just as fulfilling as overcoming the obstacle itself.
I believe in you.