Congratulations to the graduates 🎓 Repost from @modestmed • today is my medical school graduation ceremony—the day I will be announced as “doctor” on stage. while I, unfortunately, will not be in attendance physically, I am still excited, grateful, and proud because I know all the hard work and resilience that led me to this point. being a first generation college student and, now, the first doctor in my family is no small feat. I didn’t have a family member that went through higher education to guide me or to identify with challenges I faced. there was also a lot of pressure to succeed—though I admit the fear of failure and fear that I’d disappoint those around me was mostly self-imposed. so, a word of advice to those starting or already on their journey—seek mentors and cheerleaders, find a welcoming community, work hard (really hard) to prove it to yourself and everyone else that you do belong, and lastly, be vulnerable enough to say “I don’t know, but I will find out”. the journey will be difficult, the exact opposite of “smooth sailing”, but I promise you—that is what makes this moment right here so much sweeter. much love ♡ #muslimwomeninmedicine #medicine