Medical Education and Research Facility at the Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, IA. I will most likely be attending the University of Iowa next year for medical school. |
It is a bit surreal to think that I am nearing the end of my undergraduate education and will soon be pursuing a medical degree. I owe a large portion of my success to my experiences at Loras College, and I believe my courses have prepared me to make a seamless transition into medical school. For these things, I will forever be grateful of my time at Loras.
However, what I will remember most about my undergraduate education is the personal transformations I underwent. I am no longer driven by the thought of financial success, but rather, I see becoming a physician as an opportunity to give back to humanity. Still, my greatest change has to be in my belief in a higher power. Some critics of my beliefs have pointed out that I am merely going through an extended period of doubt. While this is always a possibility, I find the chance of believing in God again highly unlikely. This is because this decision did not come about lightly, and I believe I am currently the best version of myself.
The real question is “Where do I go from here?” My answer is quite simple. I foresee carrying out my beliefs much the same as I currently do. This is a personal system that determines only how I carry out my life. I am not at all interested in trying to turn others against God. While I may not agree with them, they are exercising their right to freedom of religion by practicing whatever belief system they hold. I also will strive to not allow differences in faith to interfere with how I practice medicine. If a procedure goes against someone else’s belief system, then I must respect his or her wishes even if I believe them to be detrimental. I can only hope that others will treat my well thought out decision similarly and realize that I am not defined solely by my atheism.