THE CROSSROADS

“There must be a few times in life when you stand at a precipice of a decision. When you know there will forever be a Before and an After...” 
― Justina Chen, North of Beautiful

To often in life we find ourselves in a situation where we have to make an important decision. The road we take, and the way we manage the situation will somehow shape our future and affect the way we live and see the world. So, how do you know the road you are taking is the right one? 

Over the course of the past years I have been torn between the passions I want to pursue for a career: going back and forth from medicine to communications, and finally today I made my decision, to follow the line of surgery, this is how: 

Point # 1. Never rush. 
Life is long enough to take time to think things through. When it comes to taking life changing decisions we tend to let our present feelings affect our mind subconsciously, that is why it is important to know not to act in the moment.  

Looking for answers only to find more questions, alternating between the options I had in hand, reaching nowhere whatsoever. This is why it took me years to make my final decision.

Point # 2. Take a step back and see things with perspective. 
Look around and search for more information. The road you take will define you, and you need to make sure you know what taking it means. 

To gain a deeper knowledge on the carriers of my desire, today I had the chance to visit the UPC Villa campus, where the medicine faculty is located. I had the opportunity to visit the classes, see the environment cultivated and take a look at the laboratories found in the building. I was fascinated. I have never felt so motivated and empowered about a topic in my life, and not because of the climate in UPC, nonetheless it was in fact quite innovative, but it was because I felt inspired to see more. 

Point # 3. Think of the repercussions. 
Every action has a reaction, and not just in science. Every step you take will have repercussions, and it is important to notice them beforehand and be prepared to face them if the day comes, "pre-mortems" if you will. 

Following a career in medicine will mean many sacrifices in my future. Nights of no sleep, long-lasting study sessions and competition in every corner are just some bumps in the road I will encounter on my way. I am aware of the level of difficulty in this line of work, and have decided to follow the occupation anyways. As I see it, a life with no challenges is not worth living. I know of the set backs I may be faced with, and am looking forward to encounter them, because they will only make my motivation to strive grow bigger.  

Point # 4. There's no room for regrets. 
After choosing what side of the road you want to lead, before stepping forward you have to make sure you won't look back. Try to think of every possible scenario, and have a fool-proof plan in case you want to change roads once you are already halfway there. 

I doubt that once I am studying medicine, I'll regret my decision, but still I have many years ahead of me to change my mind. This decision is not necessarily final, however it will help me make other decision academically speaking. I know what passion feels like, and as soon as I find mine fading away, I will realise and act immediately.

Point # 5. Make the most of it. 
You will never reach your highest potential unless you give it all you have. Once you are on the road, work hard and enjoy it.

Medicine is a career where you won't go far unless you want to learn. Being motivated is not something you get taught, but something you have to teach yourself. Motivation will come by itself once you find your passions, and I am glad to say I found mine, and I know I will achieve greatness, because greatness is my aim.  

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