Running the Race

Pre-med students are, by nature, competitive. There is room for debate on whether it is the stressful path that makes us this way, or if it is our personalities that direct us to take the path. Either way, the result is that we spend an awful amount of time comparing ourselves to others (especially other pre-meds) and wondering whether or not we “measure up.”

I had never felt this so strongly as I have recently, especially in light of my beginning to prepare materials for my med school application (the one I have since decided to stave off until next year). My desire to come out ahead often leads me to alternate between the poles of exceptionally critical and intimidated when I encounter other students following a similar route. Both stem from a deeper insecurity as I fearfully wonder if, when the time comes, I will be able to “make it.”

It was in the midst of one of my more critical phases when my friend Amir (also a pre-med) offered some sage advice. He told me to “run my own race,” reminding me that it doesn’t matter exactly what I am doing so long as the decisions I make are the right ones for me. Other students may make other choices but ultimately, they are irrelevant to my achieving my own goal.

Hearing this has had a profound effect on my thinking over the past few days. While I will always be competitive, it is important for me to remember to maintain focus on my own goal and do what is necessary for me to get there. After all, there’s more than one way.