Ready for the Next Round
When I look back at the last eighteen years of my life, I often find myself conflicted with emotion. Photos and personal anecdotes of my life experiences serve as a reminder of how far I have come as both a person and an agent of positive change within my community. Whenever I hear stories of my past actions and behaviors, it always lightens my mood and brings a smile to my face, as it is almost as if I am rediscovering some part of myself through others.
One of the more unusual aspects of my life is that I struggle to retain autobiographical memories. I have large gaps in my memory that span months and sometimes years, and even when I do remember events, it can be difficult to know when they happened or how accurately I remember them. Most of what stays with me is factual rather than based on experience. At times, this has been incredibly difficult, as some of the most formative periods of my life remain hidden behind a door I cannot seem to unlock. While this may seem discouraging to some readers – which it sometimes can be – it has also been incredibly influential to my personality and manner of thinking. Instead of recalling past experiences and using them to interpret new information, I am able to perceive my experiences with an open mind and analyze them based on the facts at hand rather than preconceived notions I could’ve held. This has enriched my perspective on life an incredible amount, and although I would not choose every challenge I have faced, I recognize that they are what have shaped me into who I am today.
In the face of any hardship, it is crucial for us to have a support system which aids us in our struggle, diffusing the emotional burden and relieving us of a portion of our troubles. For me, this came through wrestling. I started wrestling in the 2nd grade after spontaneously deciding to start, so I've heard. I don’t know the real reason why I wanted to start, but I've always been told that whenever I played little league soccer, I would rather run at people than the ball. Make of that what you will. Initially I believed that wrestling provided a framework to redirect my frustrations and troubles and hone my physical ability. However, after careful introspection, I now know that the true value of wrestling, or any rigorous sport for that matter, is the resilience and determination instilled through years of grueling effort. It is this resilience which enables me to push through my hardship and see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Throughout my journey, I have had a great many spiritual and philosophical revelations. Raised Mennonite, I learned to treat others with empathy and respect, shaping the way I interact with the world. The Mennonite foundations cultivated by my church community and family improved who I am as a man, and I believe that without the guidance and love I experienced at First Mennonite Church, I would not have the desire to help and support my community through medicine. Ever since I can remember, I have believed that it is always best to take the route which provides the most benefit to others, and although I have not always stuck to this idea, it has guided my studies, and I wish to become a neurologist so that I may aid others in finding health and peace. Despite my negative experiences, I am incredibly grateful for the gift of life within a community such as this, and I hope that I may be placed in the position to carry this gift to others through my career.
