Five years ago, I wrote in my personal statement, “Thus, the decision I’ve made to study medicine is one of great confidence.” Little did I know I was about to embark on the longest five years of my life—training through a pandemic, tackling challenging exams, and graduating into an uncertain NHS landscape. Yet, amid the pressure, I experienced unexpected achievements: founding an organisation that supported thousands of disadvantaged students, delivering a TEDx talk, and even meeting the King. Along the way, I formed friendships and connections with mentors and mentees who will accompany me for life.

Looking back, I see those years as not just challenging, but transformative—filled with purpose, growth, and resilience. My confidence in studying medicine feels deeper now, shaped by struggles that made every achievement meaningful. Much like a diamond formed under immense pressure, these years taught me that true strength and character are shaped in life’s most intense seasons.

The Diamond 

It’s fascinating that knowing the scientific structure of a diamond isn’t enough to create one. You can study every aspect—carat weight, colour, cut, clarity, fluorescence, and origin—but this knowledge won’t enable you to forge a diamond. Instead, it’s the waiting and enduring pressure that gradually rearranges each atom into a brilliant structure.

While diamond analogies are common, I find that the depth of their formation is often overlooked. It takes billions of years for diamonds to form naturally, allowing carbon atoms to arrange into a crystal structure that results in a stunning gem. Similarly, crafting a significant diamond can take weeks or even months.

In much the same way, recognising the traits you aspire to—like resilience, patience, and generosity—is just the beginning. True transformation occurs when you confront life’s challenges head-on. Each tough moment presents an opportunity to grow and reshape your inner self. There’s no shortcut, no cheat code, and no guide that can bypass this essential process. It’s all about embracing the heat and pressure to truly shine. In short, you must be willing to wait. While waiting may feel tedious, it is a vital season for growth.

Reflections on seasons

In my journey so far, I've come to the realisation that there truly is a season for everything. Our culture often pushes the narrative that every season should be filled with pleasure, triumph, and impressive accomplishments. However, this perspective overlooks an important truth: the most rewarding and enjoyable seasons often follow the tough times—those moments spent in the trenches.

In understanding and accepting that each season has its own time to flourish, I find solace in wisdom from a passage in Ecclesiastes:

By embracing these in-between seasons, recognising their purpose, and trusting the transformation process, we can find profound peace and clarity. During intense times, take a moment to reflect on the deeper changes within; they can illuminate your path forward.

Moreover, being aware of the season you're in encourages meaningful reflection over time. This reflection goes beyond nostalgia; it's an essential part of personal and professional growth. By understanding where I've been, I can confidently chart a course for where I want to go. I hope that these reflections inspire you to do the same for your waiting seasons. 

So what’s next?

University has played a significant role in my life, and now as a graduate, I'm excited to explore what comes next. I’m genuinely passionate about breaking down barriers to help others thrive, and my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as health and technology, is just getting started.

Curious about my experiences during my first week as a doctor? Read more here.

As I look to my future, I invite you to consider your journey. What pressures are shaping you, and what ‘diamond’ moments are still forming?

Join me on this exciting new chapter. Sign up for my content hub to stay updated on my journey and discover what’s next in this season of my life.

Let’s embark on this adventure together!