Future, What Future?

11 November 2009
I am depressed about my future. I feel like I don't have one. I feel like my dreams are falling through the cracks or shattering into a million and one pieces. I just don't know what to do anymore. The interview season is almost over (2 or 3 months depending on the school) and I have yet to hear back from one medical school. It is getting beyond frustrating. I've tried really hard not to think about it, but it's all that I can think about lately. I really want to go to medical school and I feel like it is going to be the best place for me, but I guess the schools are thinking otherwise. Sigh...

I've started looking into taking the GRE and applying to graduate schools in biochemistry because I don't think I'm going to get into medical school. This is something that I don't want to do because I don't want to be in a lab my whole life. I want to be interacting with people and healing them. It looks like this isn't going to happen though. Sigh... Life is so depressing right now.

What did I do wrong? What should I have done differently? Should I call or email the medical schools to see about my application status?

I feel like a failure.

6 comments:

Ben said...

I'm sorry, Sean. I can't imagine the disappointment you feel. Not that it's any consolation, but I think you have what it takes to help people in any career. You have that admirable desire to want to help people. Maybe you won't be able to do it the way you wanted, but you can probably find an occupation relating to biochemistry that will allow you to help others in profound ways.

And who knows, maybe you still could be accepted. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to at least follow-up with the medical schools. Maybe they'll put more thought into your application if they know you've inquired. I don't know. Sometimes small things like that make a difference.

I'm not going to tell you to cheer up. That'd be like telling a fire to put itself out. It'd be irresponsible of me.

If I'm not mistaken, many people have to apply twice or three times before getting accepted. You still have options. Just follow your heart (super cliche, I know, but there's no better way to put it).

Unknown said...

I understand how hard this is for you... Just remember the sunrise to a dark night is more beautiful than the darkness... Hang in there.

Scott said...

I'm not absolutely certain, but I think that my brother had to go through two rounds of applications before he got accepted at NYMC (i.e. he didn't get anywhere the first year). Now he has a successful urology practice.

No responses yet doesn't necessarily mean no responses this year, and no responses this year doesn't mean you have to change your career plans. If you don't get in anywhere, spend a year doing something that looks good on your applications for next year, then try again.

My brother was quite politically (med school politics) active while he was in school. I don't know if he has any pull anywhere, but he almost certainly knows some people. If you want to email me privately a list of places you're waiting to hear from, I can email him and see if he knows anyone that could at least do some digging for info for you. I can't promise that anything at all will come of it, but it can't hurt to try.

Best of luck!

Beck said...

Don't give up your dream! You can't quit now. Maybe you have to look at different schools or different options, but you can't quit and change your quest for your passion. Don't quit!

Certainly call, inquire, find out. If you aren't accepted, try to find out why not and learn from the comments you receive as you apply in other locations. Learn from your rejections and take them as constructive instead of destructive criticisms.

You are people-oriented. You are sensitive to people's needs. This is your focus. Don't stray from your goals. You need to be with people - not a lab tech.

Go for it!

Big hugs.

MY VIEW said...

Okay this may sound like a rerun, but read the stuff at the end it's new.

You and I both know that if you keep doing what is right and have faith that things will work out. You are in my prayers every night and I love you buddy. Don't get down. Just keep you head above the water and the right thing will happen.

If you don't hurry up and cheer up I will be forced to send you yet another cheer-up package. You know I like to do that and I'm always looking for an excuse to do it. Since I was as big of a fan when I was a teen as you are now, I have a never ending source to tap. So watch it.

mollie said...

Sean dearest.

First of all, I have faith that you'll be enrolling somewhere for next fall. Second of all, if you (who are super qualified) feel this sad about medical school, I don't think I have any hope at grad. school! Hah! Also, I think we need to get together more often. Preferably soon. I need to tell you about my life. :P