--{ thanks }------
So in college, right, I was in one of those Situations shared by many of us middle class immigrant kids. My parents wanted me to go into medicine; I did not. All parental approval seemed tied to my going to medical school. My parents kept telling me what a failure I would be if I didn't.
Needless to say, this caused much turmoil in my young little mind. I really didn't want my parents to disapprove of me, but I also really didn't want to spend the rest of my life trapped in a career I hated. And I hated medicine. I hated studying sickness, and biological pathways, and memorizing names for innards. (Even now, I hate even visiting the doctor, or would hate it if I were to actually go for checkups, which I don't.)
But looking back upon this all, I think I would've ended up in medicine, had it not been for my undergrad advisor, Professor Philip Phillips, who told me a story. He said (paraphrased from oh so many years ago):
You know, I was young when I went to college too. My parents also wanted me to go to into medicine. And I didn't. They still wish I had gone into medicine, but at least now that I'm an MIT professor.1 I now tell them at every chance I get "Hey! If I had gone into medicine, I wouldn't be an MIT professor today! I'd be a nobody doctor! Screw you! I'm successful! My life's better than it would've been! Beat that!"
A bit petty, but honest. Probably better than any cheesy little pep talk would've been.
So here's to you, Professor Phillips. I didn't stay in chemistry, but you certainly helped me stay out of medicine. I'm successful. My life's better than it would've been. Thanks to you.
010401
1. Okay, he's now at the University of Illinois.