The long route will STILL get you there
Dear Student,
“We regret to inform you…”
Some of you upon reading this salutation will experience a minor increase in heart rate as you remember an unpleasant memory, which had a similar beginning. I want you to know that this letter is just for you. However, for those of you who unfamiliar with this ordeal; count yourself blessed and continue reading this letter anyway.
Let me start by telling you a story… After high school, I enthusiastically hoped to study Medicine. However, all the institutions I applied to declined my application thus I had to settle for a qualification I honestly knew nothing about. By 2018, I completed my first (NOT MEDICAL) degree with faith that surely, I would land a spot in medical school. Considering that I had spent sleepless nights working on my degree in Medical Cell Biology and managed to rake up decent marks along the way, I was optimistic. I patiently awaited a positive response from the institutions whose tedious applications I had diligently completed. Then one day, the responses started flying in- this was it! I was finally going to med school! The first letter was addressed as follows:
“Dear Applicant,
Thank you for applying to our university, however, we regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful.”
I wish I could tell you that the other schools had different opinions but with every email, I opened; the message was the same “We regret to inform you…”. I went on to finish a second qualification hoping to gain the favor of any Medical school. Long story short, I was met with more disheartening responses and even some discouragement from people close to me. It was a pretty dark time but by God’s grace, as I write this letter, I am now a second-year medical student.
My sharing of this story is so that you know that you aren’t alone. You are not the only one who got rejected. You are not the only one whose finances were insufficient. You are not even the only one who had to take one gap year or more before going to university. At any point in life, each one of us will experience resistance against our dreams. The good news is there is someone who has overcome a similar struggle. At this moment, I am that someone, and I wish to encourage you by giving you some advice:
The long route will STILL get you there
We all seek to obtain success in life. We invest our efforts into planning out the how’s and what’s of our goals and even set deadlines for ourselves. And most times, we want to arrive quickly at our destination. For instance, in high school, I had life all worked out: graduate by 23, marry by 25, and have kids by 30. But then life began to redecorate my plans with setbacks and waiting. In retrospect, I now see how the long route served to build the character required for the dream I desired. You may feel like your plans are moving too slowly. Let me assure you, your current experience is one that is better equipping you to excel at that which you want to accomplish.
Your purpose does not have to make sense to everyone
I believe that each human being on earth is created for and called to complete a unique mission. You are the only one who can fulfill your special purpose. However, there will be people who will not understand your drive and will label your ambition as insanity. Maintain your focus! Seek guidance from those who have walked the same path, spend time with people who have your best interests at heart, and believe in yourself!
God knows best
As a Christian, this last point has the most weight in terms of importance for me. Throughout my journey, I continue to learn that I am not in control. Everything I am and all that I aspire to be is from God and for God. Earlier on in my letter, I mentioned that I thought I would get into medical school because I had decent marks. But as we all know, “decent” doesn’t cut it for medical school entry. You need borderline unbelievable marks to get into that program- but here I am! And by God’s grace, my first-year marks were borderline unbelievable. You may be feeling low and unsure about your future. And maybe up until now, you don’t quite see how life is going to work out in your favor. Remember, the God who created you is paving your way. The road isn’t smooth nor swift, but you are going to make it.
Looking back at the ups and downs, I can assuredly say that all of it was worth it. So, wherever you are in your life’s journey be encouraged and motivated to keep going. I don’t know your exact situation, but I do know you were made uniquely and intentionally. In your mind is stored the solutions to some of our society’s greatest challenges. Regardless of where you want to end up may you always employ your abilities for the advancement of humankind and the world will be a better place because you were unwavering and resilient. Now ask yourself: What is my purpose? Then go out and achieve it! I know you can!
From someone who believes in you,
Miranda
Miranda is currently studying Medicine at De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute in the Philippines. She currently serves as Vice Presidency of External Affairs for the institute’s College of Medicine Student Council where she hopes to create educational opportunities for her fellow African young people. She is a University of the Witwatersrand Alumni having attained a BHSc (Honours) degree in Medical Cell Biology. Outside the sphere of academics, Miranda volunteers at hospitals, mentoring organisations and NPOs that uplift homeless communities. She also enjoys encouraging young people through public speaking and creating content which speaks to healthy living, spiritual well-being, hope and motivation.
