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What sparks one's calling towards a career?

For most teenagers today, its very confusing and mentally challenging choosing a career path for one's whole future. For me, I want to go into the medical field. I am currently in my school's CNA and CMAA certification program. Just this week when I went to a nursing home for hours, the conditions weren't great. It had me thinking of my future and if medical is really where I should go. On the other hand, Summer 2016 I attended a medical camp where I learned skills and important information on health careers. When on a trip to the New York College of Medicine, I held a human heart in my own two hands. I was sure this was my calling. At this point after being hands on, I need reassurance.

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Steve’s Answer

Great question Michaela. My path toward becoming a physical therapist was atypical. I was a patient first. My original calling was as a warrior. I trained most of my adult life to defend my country when called. I was seriously injured while in the military and a physical therapist saved my life and got me walking again. I also credit Physicians, PA’s, and nurses as well, but a physical therapist actually spent so much time and really made the difference for me. Once I retired I went to PT school, then residency and fellowship training in orthopedics. I see my choice as a way to pay forward the care that was extended to me in my time of need.

I tell you this because I think everyone’s path is unique, so is yours. Follow your interests, prepare yourself academically, and professionally so that you’re ready when opportunity presents itself. Only you know what sparks your interests. When it does, be ready. That means hard work now. Pay attention to your grades, volunteer in areas that interest you and you’ll find something that clicks and makes sense to you. Good luck.

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michael’s Answer

Hi Michaela,

I am a registered nurse.

I felt the same as you during my clinical rotations. You questioned your goal during geriatrics, I questioned my goal during Obstetrics.

Medicine is a wide field. Get to know yourself and the classes/clinics you are taking and you will make the right decision.

I always thought I was going to be an emergency room RN, but I am a case manager RN and I could not be happier.

You do not have to make a permanent decision now. Even if you think something appeals to now, but not later, you can always change. Medicine is a wide field.

Keep an open mind,

M.Scott, RN

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Linda’s Answer

Hi Michaela, Your experiences in the nursing home and then in the lab illustrate two of innumerable types of experiences one can have in the world of medicine. There are many more exciting, fascinating, and difficult to imagine experiences waiting for you. Continue your studies, be open to experiences. Your choices and decisions will gradually steer you toward more focused studies. But for now, don't worry. Try to enjoy all the open doors in front of you. It must be overwhelming. Some people like to have clear paths and plans for the future. But let me say, feeling overwhelmed is not unusual. You might think about the following: when you think about your future profession, do you imagine yourself working directly with patients? Or do you imagine yourself researching? If these questions are too broad, just focus on the next couple of choices you have to make. I hope this is helpful. Linda
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Naiara’s Answer

Hi Michaela,

Thanks for sharing! I am glad to hear about your positive experience :) It is hard to know for sure what one's calling is. There will be many moments in your life and career when you will ask yourself if you made the right choice. In my view, you have to follow your heart, but you have to be rational as well and plan well. If you are thinking about a career in medicine, continue to explore that path and see how your interests evolve. For me, I decided to do medicine very early, and during college, although I focused on my pre-med requirements, I tried to be open-minded and participate in non-medical/biology related activities as well, to get to know myself better. In medical school, I had no idea what specialty I wanted to follow, but after 2.5 years of learning more about different medical specialties and about myself, I decided that Dermatology would be the best path for me. I love what I do and could not imagine being in a different field. Obviously, we all have bad/frustrating days, but these are way outnumbered by the good/happy days. Keep in mind that if for some reason, you follow a path and then realize that is not your passion, you can always take a turn and start another one :)

I hope this helps! Good luck!

Naiara
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