From Urban Life to Rural Dreams: A Family's Journey

On one of my parents’ first dates together, my father described cattle they drove past as “amazing creatures” telling my mother someday he would like to have land and livestock of his own. That wish to transition from the big city to the country led him to buy a house in the middle of nowhere Indiana, soon raising his own amazing livestock. Growing up, I often complained about the amount of work living on a farm entailed, from cleaning pens to taking care of my 4-H animals. But my dad never complained because such duties were his reward for starting an idea from scratch. Following his footsteps in pursuit of a dream of my own, I chose to attend a large university where I studied abroad to contrast and challenge my rural perspective. Through that transition, I began to respect the difficulties my father experienced following his goal. And while the responsibilities he undertakes are stressful and uncertain, I now

appreciate how my father continues tackling his vision with the same passion he had twenty years ago.
Searching for a niche of my own in high school, I started an internship program at a local hospital. Beginning in the operating room, one of the first major surgeries I watched was a cesarean section. Even as an observer, I still felt very nervous before viewing such an unbelievable procedure. But when I saw the miracle of a child come into this world and the pure joy of the mother as she held her baby boy, any nerves I had disappeared. The technicians and surgeons were all inviting and eager to teach throughout the entire process. With them sharing their passion and love for helping others, it was impossible not to enjoy every moment of my time there. The magic of the situation and reception of the surgical staff solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine.
I continued to shadow in many areas of the hospital and other health facilities in my community. Following physicians, I saw how so many of them exemplified the definition of selfless service as they went about their duties. No matter how long their shift lasted or how tired they were, it was never trouble to listen to any concern or story. Patients confined alone in a room loved talking about their families or any other topic to connect with their caretaker, and were clearly appreciative for someone who took the time to listen. The drive to help patients at their most challenging of times is why I strive to become a physician. I hope to emulate the selfless and ever positive attitudes of caretakers I followed, just as my father smiled through success and disappointment alike.
Observing in a small town gave me an introduction to what the medical field entails, but the homogenous area where I am from showed me a rather narrow view of society.

The similarities in terms of appearance, backgrounds and ideals of the region never contrasted my belief system or caused me to consider outside viewpoints. In college and while studying abroad, the cultural and ideological diversity was like nothing I had yet encountered. It is easy to dismiss someone for any number of personal differences, something that I became more aware of during my semester in Denmark. Being white and tall, it was relatively easy for me to physically blend into society. More challenging was when my opinions were the minority and conveying my thoughts was difficult due to stereotypes and the language barrier. Returning home, I found new respect for those struggling due to their cultural or other societal differences. I am more open-minded and receptive to the attitudes of others, allowing for respect, teamwork and cooperation with anyone I

meet.
In addition to cultural awareness, being outside the U.S. for the first time gave me the opportunity to grow more independent while adapting to an unfamiliar environment. Transitioning from a small town to Bloomington left me a bit shaken, but that was nothing compared to the shock of life in another country with another family. The novelty of language, food, friends and classes shattered my previous comfort zone. Rather than resist the change, I chose to embrace every new obstacle and way of thinking, a skill necessary in the ever-changing field of medicine. Opening my mind, I experienced a new culture and every opportunity to the fullest extent, accepting flexibility and diversity.
The responsibility and hard work from living on a farm parallels how physicians must labor for sometimes little reward while always maintaining a positive spirit. Shadowing has shown me the true satisfaction that doctors feel when they create genuine relationships with their patients and provide quality care. Furthermore, being removed from the comfort of my small hometown has broadened my thinking, and I am more compassionate and sympathetic to those vastly different from me. My experiences have made me responsible, diligent, driven and empathetic, ready to tackle the same challenges my dad faced when he began his farm. Even through the toil and uncertainty of his living, my father continues to love what he does. I intend to share his enthusiasm in the face of trials and triumphs in my pursuit of becoming a physician.