This blog is just another lens through which a person views this world- that person being me, a medical student on a path leading to all corners of the world and as many coffee shops in between. Here, you will find my personal experiences and thoughts on medicine, travel, and coffee, all while I navigate this long road ahead of me (so I’ve been told).
I’m going to be honest, as a first year medical student, I can’t promise keeping up with a blog. But I truly believe that if you respond on the outside to what’s going on inside, then everything becomes more tangible, within reach, and all the less daunting.
So don’t mind me as I clear my head space, but I do invite you on a journey that hopefully inspires both myself and others to cultivate a deep respect for humanity, a kind of love without borders.
Much love,
// MEDICINE
If there’s one thing I would want someone to know about my decision to become a physician, it would be that I am fully committed to using medicine as a vehicle to social justice. There may be many differences that set us apart, but there are just as many similarities that bring us together- one of them being compassion for the human life. Despite a diversity in culture, I believe that recognizing the integrity of a human being must always come first. I’ve only ever seen medicine as an opportunity to bring people closer together. I believe that medicine unites.
// TRAVEL
Travel is…crossing borders, quite literally. There is so much that this world has to offer and frankly, I don’t want to miss out on a single adventure. I aim to discover anything and everything about culture, and most importantly, the keepers of culture. I’ve met people on all walks in life each with their own unique stories and I promise not a single person is forgotten. They have become a part of my life, grounding me and reminding me of one of the oldest, yet simple pearls of wisdom: love your neighbors. From here on out, I’ve challenged myself to open my heart and mind, and bring those stories home. I hope their stories become yours too.
// COFFEE
Everything about the coffee culture fascinates me. The sourcing process, the brewing techniques, the roasters, the baristas, the shops…I just can’t get enough! To me, visiting coffee shops isn’t just a hobby anymore, but an outlet. It’s my ticket out of this sometimes too busy world, my way to decompress, and okay I’ll admit it, an excuse to study in an awesome space. Having grown up in the Seattle area and having gone to school in the Bay Area, I’m so grateful to always have a coffee shop next door. But most of all, I’m grateful for the conversations and friendships I’ve made over a cup of joe, which only proves to me that coffee is yet another common ground for us to stand on. Oh, and next time you’re in a coffee shop, order a cortado – two shots of espresso cut with steamed milk. You won’t regret it.
CROSSING // BORDERS 