I teared up as Ron, Hermione, and Harry (Rupert, Emma, and Daniel) reminisced on how they grew up on the Harry Potter set and infiltrated our cinemas and culture as we laypeople grew up alongside them. They spoke of a strong love and bond that could have only existed from their specific experience. I sunk into nostalgia as I internally and fondly went down my own memory lane of medical school. I have gained a family. My classmates feel like cousins and I run into alumni everywhere.
No one will understand your journey better than your fellow classmates. I understand how med school marriages develop now. Personally, my classmates and I went through the gauntlet that is medical school and a crazy thing called life outside of school. There was never a dull moment. There are things we know about each other that others do not know. I can also say that going to an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) was life-changing. I went to a PWI (predominantly white institution) for undergrad; A state school at that. I went to a PWI for graduate school as well. When I interviewed at my medical school, I felt immediate warmth and welcome. It was palpable and the cornbread at lunch was to die for. I even tried to go to school close to home (a PWI), but they played me and I ended up at my HBCU. God wanted me to be immersed in this chocolatey goodness.
I DO NOT regret matriculating into my school and my graduating class. He works in mysterious ways. Because if I had gotten accepted the year before or after, I wouldn’t have connected to the people I’ve connected to. I wouldn’t have known or been exposed to a plethora of things. Not only was there chocolate here, but caramel, hazelnut, AND vanilla were represented too. All the flavors. All the warmth. Had I gone somewhere different, my perspective would be different. I know for sure my experience would be different. I wouldn’t know what it would feel like to experience and be part of traditions implemented for years that have connected people. My medical school experience was quite common yet quite unique.
I’m going to be honest, I did not know the value of HBCUs. In a previous life, I was conditioned to believe the education provided was subpar. This is simply not true.
Along the same lines, the fact that my medical education is from an HBCU is precious. This difficult path I chose was padded and paved with protection and understanding that could only come from an HBCU. Black and Brown people are not a monolith. I was immersed in an environment of a diverse group of Black and Brown people. This can happen elsewhere but it doesn’t. I have lifelong friends now. I have an additional family now. I see America differently now. I had previously been sheltered and snowed (no pun intended)in so many ways. I was so fortunate to have the upbringing I had, but it shielded me from the reality and discomforts of the world. I’m grateful for that but value the hardships. I do not wish them on myself or anyone else, but goodness, they definitely leave a lasting impression.
I may not have graduated with my class (Ya know, stroking out and all) but I never felt left behind or “othered” because of my new timeline. I had a surprisingly accepting graduating class and peers. The different classes end up mixing due to rotations, extracurriculars, or social events, and my predicament was met with sympathy. Not judgment. This lack of judgment and therefore lack of fear of being judged allowed me to get the help and support I needed because I didn’t feel alone.