When I got into medical school, I had big dreams. I envisioned myself scooping up awards left and right. After all, I had always been a top student in senior high school, and I assumed that naturally, I would continue to shine in the same way. But here’s the thing—dreams without deliberate and meticulous planning are just wishes, and that realization hit me hard.
Looking back, my biggest mistake was not having a clear plan. I didn’t intentionally seek out the information or strategies that would help me achieve my goals. I didn’t ask enough questions, build the best habits, or even take time to fully understand what was required to excel at that level in medical school. I simply assumed that being “naturally smart” would be enough. Spoiler alert—it wasn’t. After all, all my other colleagues were smart too!😂
Over time, I started noticing cracks in my approach. Assignments piled up, exams became tougher, and I felt like I was just going through the motions. Deep down, I knew I wasn’t on track to achieve the dreams I had when I started. And then came the most important part of my journey—being honest with myself.
One day, I sat down and asked myself some tough questions:
⁉️Was I really working as hard and smart as I could?
⁉️Was I seeking advice and guidance from the right people?
⁉️Was my original goal even what I still wanted?
The truth was that I hadn’t put in that level of time and effort, though I was still academically good. But instead of wallowing in regret, I made peace with where I was. I decided to change my focus. If I couldn’t take awards, I could still leave medical school with other valuable achievements.
I started exploring opportunities outside academics. I attended events that introduced me to entrepreneurship and sparked a new passion. I learned about public speaking and started honing that skill. I built wonderful friendships and connections that have become some of my best assets today. I did some short courses in leadership, AI, and tried my hands on e-commerce, trading and blogging. I volunteered for programs, took on leadership roles, and also dabbled in creative writing.
And guess what? These new paths felt just as fulfilling as my initial dream. I wasn’t just “settling” for less—I was building a well-rounded version of myself that aligned with the person I wanted to be.
If there’s one lesson I’d love to share from my experience, it’s this: Know what kind of student—and person—you want to be. Do you want to graduate with awards, with a rich network, with unique skills, or with a strong entrepreneurial foundation?
…or a little of each of the above (2 awards, 2 great friends, 2 skills and some knowledge of entrepreneurship – hey, people have done that too!) 😄
Whatever it is, don’t just wish for it—plan for it.
But here’s the catch: plans can evolve. Maybe you’ll realize along the way that your grades won’t make you valedictorian, but you can still grab an award or two. Or maybe you’ll discover a passion for coding, research, or leadership, and decide to channel your energy there. Whatever happens, don’t throw your hands in the air and leave your life to chance. Adjust your direction intentionally.
Truth doesn’t hurt; it frees you. If someone else is excelling in a space you’re striving for, acknowledge it. Be honest with yourself about your current reality, and then make the choice to either double down or pivot.
There’s no one-size-fits-all definition of success in school. Each path—be it academic, entrepreneurial, social, or skill-focused—comes with its own challenges and rewards. None is better than the other; they are simply different. The key is to decide what’s best for you and work towards it with purpose.
Medical school taught me that being a successful student isn’t about following a single straight line—it’s about knowing where you want to go, navigating the twists and turns, and staying true to your vision.
So, I’ll ask you this: What kind of student do you want to be? It’s never too early—or too late—to decide. Make that decision today and now!
