Be Courageous and Have Heart

The unspoken.
The monster under the bed.

The unspoken.
The shadow in the corner. 

The unspoken.
The waves of inner emotions crashing against the coast of our fortitude.

The unspoken- dangerous, fearful, and unexpressed words, thoughts, and emotions.
Dare we uncover them? Are we brave enough?

Why is it that we are so hesitant? Is it out of fear of judgment or pride that we stand silent?
Why is it that we are so frightened to speak up for ourselves but so stubborn and confident to speak up for others?

Why is it that our hearts are shouting and our mouths are simply whispering, sounds incomprehensible and privy to disappear with the wind?

The monster and muse that is the mind can serve two roles: that of happiness and that of sadness. It is a double edged sword, both deadly and life saving. It is moldable, mendable, trainable, like the tongue, to whatever our wills deem it to be. Why then do we let it control us instead of us controlling it? Why are we letting it tell us what we can and can not do?

Like a lion, we listen to the mind roar, we feel its suffocating grip, we hear its constant slander that we are not good enough. So, why do we give in to these lies? Nay, why don’t we ask for help? Why are we OK with being the savior to those around us but can’t even save ourselves in not only acknowledging our struggle, but also taking the steps to get it resolved?

Ironically, we problem solvers take on the Hippocratic Oath which states, “First do no harm”, and yet we can’t even follow that for our own selves. So let us change and bring out the biggest device in our toolkit: our voice.

Get rid of the silence and take up sound.
Give up the shroud and take up your sword.

Be strong, young doctor. Step out in faith, young doctor. Save yourself first, young doctor, if you want to save the world.

Thoughts, ideas, and feelings may be frightening, but what’s more frightening of all is those that are unspoken. So, be courageous and have heart.

Let the unspoken words lie unspoken no more.

Speak up and use your voice: the most beautiful, inspiring, and world-changing aspect about you, young doctor.  It is the voice of many, many who have no voice to give.

Ethnically, 100% Romanian, and nationally, 100% American, I was born in Seneca, South Carolina and have lived in the Clemson/Easley area my whole life. I graduated with a B.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Emphasis, from Clemson University. Athlete, scholar and former competitive pianist, I try to maintain a balanced mind, body and soul. I am ecstatic and blessed to be attending USCSOMG and to be part of the wonderful Class of 2020, beginning the journey that propelled me into medicine: pursuing the principle of people first.