MAYA GOERTEMOELLER
Year Three
I sit here, wearing the ampersand necklace I always do, the delicate symbol that rests gently against my heart each day. It's a reminder of the power of "and" — the idea that two seemingly opposing concepts can coexist, intertwine, and shape our lives in profound ways. And as I reflect on my junior year of college as a pre-medical student, I am reminded of how this simple symbol has come to define my journey.
It all began with an unexpected turn in my academic path. I enrolled in an abnormal psychology course, seeking to expand my understanding of the human mind. Little did I know that this class would introduce me to the transformative work of Dr. Linehan and her book, "Building a Life Worth Living." Through her personal mental health journey, Dr. Linehan developed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a therapeutic approach that embraces the delicate dance between acceptance and change, suffering and joy.
Dr. Linehan's story resonated deeply within me, inspiring me to reframe my own life through the lens of "and." I learned to tell myself that college can be both stressful and rewarding. It was a season of sleepless nights and demanding exams, but it was also a time of immense growth and self-discovery. Recognizing this duality propelled me to pursue a switch in my minor, embracing the study of psychology, and adding an integrative health and wellness minor.
In the midst of this exploration, I found myself drawn to 1N5, a remarkable mental health nonprofit. It became my sanctuary, a place where I could channel my own eating disorder journey into creating eating disorder prevention programs. It was within these transformative moments that I discovered both healing and a fervor for cultivating safe spaces within the mental health conversation. I witnessed firsthand how "and" can merge personal experiences with a passion for change, enabling me to make a difference in the lives of others.
Yet, the power of "and" extended beyond academics and community involvement. I found solace in embracing the complexities of my personal life and relationships. I discovered that vulnerability can coexist with strength, and that love can thrive amidst imperfections. It was through these realizations that I nurtured deeper connections and a sense of belonging.
As I gaze toward the future, the concept of "and" continues to guide me. I envision a career as a physician, where I can embrace "and" for my patients. I want to offer compassionate care that acknowledges their pain and empowers them to heal. I aspire to be a source of support and guidance, helping them find strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I am committed to seeking "and" in my personal life. I will foster balance between work and self-care, ambition and contentment. I will strive for authenticity and vulnerability, recognizing that embracing my own complexities allows for growth and connection.
In this journey of embracing "and," I have come to understand that life's most profound moments are often found in the spaces between dichotomies. Through the power of acceptance, I can create change. By embracing both suffering and joy, I can lead a life worth living.
So, as I continue on this path, I will wear my ampersand necklace proudly, a constant reminder of the transformative power of "and." With each step forward, I will embrace the beauty in the convergence of opposites, allowing it to shape my journey as a compassionate physician and a wholehearted individual.
It all began with an unexpected turn in my academic path. I enrolled in an abnormal psychology course, seeking to expand my understanding of the human mind. Little did I know that this class would introduce me to the transformative work of Dr. Linehan and her book, "Building a Life Worth Living." Through her personal mental health journey, Dr. Linehan developed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a therapeutic approach that embraces the delicate dance between acceptance and change, suffering and joy.
Dr. Linehan's story resonated deeply within me, inspiring me to reframe my own life through the lens of "and." I learned to tell myself that college can be both stressful and rewarding. It was a season of sleepless nights and demanding exams, but it was also a time of immense growth and self-discovery. Recognizing this duality propelled me to pursue a switch in my minor, embracing the study of psychology, and adding an integrative health and wellness minor.
In the midst of this exploration, I found myself drawn to 1N5, a remarkable mental health nonprofit. It became my sanctuary, a place where I could channel my own eating disorder journey into creating eating disorder prevention programs. It was within these transformative moments that I discovered both healing and a fervor for cultivating safe spaces within the mental health conversation. I witnessed firsthand how "and" can merge personal experiences with a passion for change, enabling me to make a difference in the lives of others.
Yet, the power of "and" extended beyond academics and community involvement. I found solace in embracing the complexities of my personal life and relationships. I discovered that vulnerability can coexist with strength, and that love can thrive amidst imperfections. It was through these realizations that I nurtured deeper connections and a sense of belonging.
As I gaze toward the future, the concept of "and" continues to guide me. I envision a career as a physician, where I can embrace "and" for my patients. I want to offer compassionate care that acknowledges their pain and empowers them to heal. I aspire to be a source of support and guidance, helping them find strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I am committed to seeking "and" in my personal life. I will foster balance between work and self-care, ambition and contentment. I will strive for authenticity and vulnerability, recognizing that embracing my own complexities allows for growth and connection.
In this journey of embracing "and," I have come to understand that life's most profound moments are often found in the spaces between dichotomies. Through the power of acceptance, I can create change. By embracing both suffering and joy, I can lead a life worth living.
So, as I continue on this path, I will wear my ampersand necklace proudly, a constant reminder of the transformative power of "and." With each step forward, I will embrace the beauty in the convergence of opposites, allowing it to shape my journey as a compassionate physician and a wholehearted individual.