The title of this article is misleading. Men are not the only people capable of relentless pursuits toward achievement. Women and others with identities along the gender spectrum have the potential to not give up on their dreams.
In 2018, Finland received recognition as the happiest country in the world. Among other possible causes, supportive social structures and citizens’ beliefs in their freedom of choices gained attention as possible causes for their happiness. Some people in Finland believe the help is there to realize their dreams.
Through my work as an Assistant Professor at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine, I have the opportunity to serve underrepresented students. It is not uncommon to see students in their fifties or sixties sitting next to a twenty-two year old who recently graduated from undergrad.
Dreamers looking to find their happiness through practicing medicine surround me.
Last week, I was working out in the university’s gym. I saw an older gentleman that I perceived to be in his late fifties or early sixties. Without knowing his status, I assumed he was a new faculty member lifting weights. Pressed to finish my workout routine and go home, I didn’t introduce myself to him.
One week later, my department, organized an orientation for students in their first semester at the school. We talked about university policies, life on the island, strategies for academic success, and other benefits unique to the American University of Antigua. At one point in the orientation, I introduced myself and offered some advice.
After greeting the students, I decided to play an instrument and teach the students a song. I talked about the berimbau, and how I use it as part of a student club that teaches Capoeira. The smiles on the students faces during my solo, and the remarks I received afterward, indicated that they appreciated my short performance.
Later that evening, I was at the gym working out when I recognized the older gentleman from the week before, who I had assumed was a faculty member. He came up to me and introduced himself. We talked, and he commented about how much he enjoyed my music at the student orientation. In his previous career of thirty years, he had been a professional percussionist and a bank manager. He started medical school but did not finish for a variety of reasons.
His story is not uncommon. I have met several men and women similar to the student I met at the gym. They are people with dreams to have a career as a doctor and are unwilling to allow their age to prevent them from achieving this goal.
Some of my students have children my age and other students are young enough to be my children. Working at the American University of Antigua inspires me to continue pursuing the vision I have for my life at any age. I feel blessed to teach, advise, and share my insights to success with students from multiple backgrounds.
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Age is only a number, and anything is possible for you. Do not give up on your dreams. You do not need to relocate to Finland to find happiness or support for the life you wish to live.
The dream that you have is a gift, and it serves a purpose bigger than yourself. It’s your responsibility to share it with the world.
Begin to make plans today to make things happen for you and your family. Whether it is attending medical school at age seventy or taking a trip to visit a country you’ve read about for years, use this day to start the process of living in your dream.
Share this post with one person who needs encouragement to take one step forward.
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Photo Credit: PeopleImages on iStock