Like many, I grew up with an interest in biology. But medical issues within the family pushed that interest in biology to become an interest in people. And as I've pursued it in the face of setbacks, mostly of my own doing, I've picked up more and more reasons to pursue it. Not so much a case of stubbornness paired with "I've come too far" but I keep finding more ways I want to help people.

I can't remember where I first heard it, but one thing I've tried to pass along is this rule. There are 3 things you can have in college: a social life, good grades, enough sleep, but you can only pick two. I tried to do all three, and it took me a long time to get over it. You don't have to be a studious monk, but you have to have a proper balance in your life.

I started medical school 13 years after I finished my bachelors. I enlisted in the Army as a medic, saw some things, did some things, picked up some practical experience. One of the hardest questions I had to answer, and prove to myself, was how badly did I want it. After several years on active duty, when I asked myself if I still wanted it, I found myself in graduate school for a Masters in Biomedical Sciences and giving up my summer to study for the MCAT. If that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, just know that medical school is much harder and more demanding. No matter what you go for in this life, you have to be willing to do the work and put in the time. The admissions requirements and checklists and strategies are all out there, but you can't just glide right into it. For all the intellect and raw talent one might have, would you want a lazy doctor? There are other ways to help people, and other ways to work in medicine. Being in medical school or becoming a physician isn't the only way to succeed in life. But if you can answer that one hard question with a stout and resounding, "Yes!" Then keep going, you'll make it. Believe me.

Timing your breaks and study time. Let's be honest, after a couple hours, nothing you read or listen to will even register, so take 30-60 minutes to do your laundry, clean the apartment, eat, sleep. I would highly discourage going on an undergraduate rager or binge-watching anything, but give yourself a break. Periodically reminding yourself that you deserve to be there does wonders, so reflect on your hard work, how far you've come, and talk to your colleagues, they're feeling it just as much as you are and it helps to know you're not alone.