Chapter 9
“When you are wronged
repeatedly, the worst thing you can do is continue taking it--fight back!” ―
Fight,
Fight, Fight…
Success
is a courageous journey, a tapestry woven with threads of ambition, resilience,
and an unwavering commitment to growth. It's not merely about reaching a goal
but about daring to step into the unknown, confronting challenges head-on, and
persisting despite the inevitable setbacks. The courage to embrace the
discomfort of pushing beyond what's familiar, risk failure, and learn from
mistakes fuels resilience, inspires growth, and motivates us to keep
going, no matter how tough the road becomes. This courage is within all of us,
waiting to be ignited and nurtured.
Within
me burns a fire that ignites whenever someone tells me, "No." It's
not just a matter of being stubborn—though I admit that stubbornness plays a
role. It's about refusing to let others define my limits, to be boxed in by
someone else's perception of what is possible. This refusal and determination
to push beyond boundaries have been a powerful force driving many of my
successes, and I believe it can also drive yours. You can
define your limits, refuse to be confined by others' restrictions, and transform barriers into stepping stones.
One
defining example of this determination was my journey to secure preceptors for
my clinical nurse practitioner training. Financial constraints had already
forced me to give up my dream of becoming a physician in Colombia—a dream I
still hold close to my heart. For many, this might have been the end of the
road, but it was merely a detour for me. Some family members didn’t take my
ambitions seriously, brushing off my goals as unattainable or impractical. But
that lack of support didn’t deter me. My passion burned brighter than any
obstacle. I knew I had to find a way around every barrier, and my determination
kept me moving forward. Along the way, I was fortunate to find mentors and
supportive figures who believed in me and helped me navigate the challenges,
but my inner resolve made me persevere.
I'll never forget a comment made during my graduation party after earning my BSN in
nursing. Someone remarked, "You’re so smart. Why didn’t you go to medical
school?" Though likely well-intentioned, this question revealed a common
misunderstanding about the unique value of nursing. Nursing is not a fallback
or a compromise; it is a calling, a profession built on compassion, critical
thinking, and a deep dedication to patient care. My decision to pursue nursing
was deliberate. It was not about settling for less but about finding a path
where I could make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
For
years, I wrestled with internal doubts. Could I truly make a difference as a
nurse? Was I enough? Sometimes, patients questioned my abilities
simply because I wasn’t a doctor. One patient sticks out in my memory. She
repeatedly asked, “Where is the doctor?” Despite explaining that I was the
provider responsible for her care, she hesitated, uncertain about my role. It
wasn’t until the end of the visit, after receiving thorough care, that she
finally trusted me. Such moments are bittersweet—they challenge me to prove my
worth but also reaffirm the unique impact of my work.
These
challenges were magnified as an immigrant from Colombia with English as my
second language. Every misstep or misunderstanding felt like an additional
hurdle, but I refused to let them hold me back. I’ve never had the luxury of
dwelling on what others said I couldn’t do because of my background or
circumstances. I’ve always believed that determination can overcome any
obstacle. With relentless optimism, I set goals and pursue them with everything
I’ve got, no matter how daunting the odds.
Life
is unpredictable, and obstacles are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean the
journey ends. Even if I don’t reach every goal, effort and perseverance matter.
Just showing up, putting in the work, and giving me half the battle won. Too
often, those who don’t achieve their dreams are the ones who never even try.
I’ve always been determined to be the one who tries, who fights, who pushes
through, no matter what.
Success
isn’t about perfection or an unbroken string of victories. It’s about the
strength to rise after every fall, the courage to continue despite uncertainty,
and the belief that even setbacks are steps forward in disguise. Each of us has
the power to light that fire within, to pursue our passions with unwavering
determination, and to define success on our terms. With relentless optimism, I
face each day with hope and positivity, knowing that the journey, with all its
twists and turns, is what truly shapes us.
No comments:
Post a Comment