You are Worthy and Deserving

"Are you sure you want to pursue this career?"

"You don't look like someone who would be in this profession."

"No one will ever take you seriously in pink scrubs."

"Don't worry you will change your mind eventually."

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"You're not smart enough to make it in this field."

Those were some of the comments that I have received over the course of my undergraduate career, starting my job, and while preparing for medical school. And my response to those comments is...

I am absolutely sure I want to pursue a career in forensic pathology.

What does someone who is in the field of forensics (specifically pathology) look like?

I am definitely taken seriously and I am a valued member of my organization and team.

I have been set on this career path since my freshman year of high school, so I don't think so!

I am confident I know what I am doing, and I do it well.

Being in this field is not just about intelligence, it takes dedication, commitment, passion, curiosity, and empathy.

For a long time, I allowed other people's perceptions and preconceived notions of me to affect my self-view, and I allowed the negativity to influence the ways in which I moved. I would be lying if I said that I was always confident in my abilities, that I was always sure I would reach my (huge) goals, and that I was always ready to keep pushing through the adversity. As I stated before, there were many times when I listened to other people's opinions and doubted myself and my abilities. But what I can say is that my passion, love, and excitement for the field of forensic science overshadowed all of the difficult times and kept me on my path (not on a straight path, but MY path).

Throughout this period of time, while I received extreme support from my now coworkers, mentor, and close family (a post on the importance of connections and relationships coming soon!), I realized my true value. I am the only person who can make my decisions, I am the only person who knows what I am capable of, and I am the only person who can decide who and what I am. Yes I wear pink scrubs and I am obsessed with any and all things pink, yes I would be classified as a girly girl, yes I love fashion, dressing up, and makeup, and yes I am pursuing a career in forensic pathology. My interests and appearance do not define my intelligence, my capabilities, or my career path...and neither do yours.

If you have found what you are passionate about, keep pushing through and follow your heart and dreams. No dream you have is ever too big, there is a reason you have that dream and it is achievable. Keep steadfast in the knowledge that you are capable and you can do and become anything and everything you want. Focus on you, no one else. This is your journey, one else's. You are worthy and deserving.

Thank you so much for reading! What would you like to read next?

What do you want to read next week?

• The importance of connections and relationships in STEM
• My personal path (academic, extracurriculars, experiences,
• Other

If you chose other, feel free to comment below on what you would like to read about! See you back next week! :)