Dear Bubby,
My parents wanted my brother and I to grow up to be successful and gave up a lot so we could go to private school and achieve that dream. My brother is currently pursuing an engineering degree, while I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science with the intent of going to med school.
Well, reality came crashing down on me this year, and it turns out I'm not as smart as I thought I was. Med school seems unlikely. My parents seem very disappointed. I feel as if I failed them. The ENTIRE family - grandparents, aunts, uncles and, cousins and all.
I guess what I should do is buckle down and live like a monk until I do get into med school, but it seems unrealistic. The main reason I even considered med school was because it seemed like the most appealing professional school and it would have been sinful for me to suggest anything less.
I feel like I can't even face my parents anymore, let alone the rest of the family (who thanks to the wonderful way family rumors work, think I'm already in med school). Should I just not come back until I make something of myself?
Thanks,
Another Med School Wannabe
Dear Another Med School Wannabe,
I know that being a doctor is nice but you must be good to succeed. There are many facets in the field of medicine and you should investigate them. I have known many practicing doctors are not as happy as they thought they would be and are looking for other work in the medical field that don't require "patient contacts." For instance, research.
You don't have to listen or do what your relatives tell you. You must make up your own mind. Why should you be on the bottom of the pile or get up in the morning and go to work that you dislike or are not qualified?
From your note I think you are quite bright and perhaps it would be a good idea if you took a test and found out what you are qualified for. You must love biology and other sciences to succeed in medicine. Talk to your teachers - I'm sure they can advise you. That is exactly what my son did and today he is a very successful attorney.
Good Luck.
0 OPINIONS ADDED
"Help Me, Bubby!" Disclaimer
By submitting a letter to this website, you grant Help Me, Bubby! permission to publish it on this site or elsewhere
including print publications. Your letter will only include an anonymous signature that you provide or that we use to
substitute for your real name. Your email address will never be included or distributed. Due to the large number of
letters received, there is no guarantee that a letter will be responded to. Any information or advice given at
Help Me, Bubby! is not intended to provide an alternative to professional medical treatment or to replace the advice
or services of a physician or psychiatrist. Neither Bubby nor her granddaughters are professional therapists or medical
experts. If you have any serious medical or mental problem, please consult a professional. Although all this advice is
offered lovingly from the heart and in good spirit, we are not responsible in any way for your decision to accept or
reject the advice or the results thereafter.