Hi Sharika,

So I read both yours, and Heather’s post last night. Both of them needed some special attention for a response, and I found myself thinking of advice to give you that mirrored Heather’s, and that I SHOULD be taking myself.

First of all, you’re really young. You’re still in undergrad, so you’re already ahead of your game for having these thoughts right now. How long have you been feeling something is “wrong” with this compromise? Is it something new, something flitting by, or something deeply rooted inside you? That may help you develop some awareness over the situation, and I think awareness is very powerful. Or in a different direction, what if I said, and I’m not saying this AT ALL, “ignore that voice. those people are right. you are thinking too much. pursue medicine.” How would you feel? If I literally told you what to do, would that voice go away? How else can it be nurtured? Does it need to drop medicine entirely, or is it looking for a more unique approach to medicine?

Heather gives some amazing advice that you can apply to yourself as well, but I also think you have time. And I don’t know much about medicine by any means, but are there ways to combine the two, at least for your youth? I’ve had friends who have pursued medical missionaries, the peace corps, or learn how to combine their love for yoga with medical instruction. Talk to your professors. Explore the travel abroad options. Take one fun class on writing. Take this time to explore your options, and if any jump out to you and feel *right*, then you have the first step. And the first step, I believe, may lead to an answer that won’t necessarily come as fast as you want it to.

I hope that helped. 🙂

Amanda