Benazir Merchant
If my life were a book, it would have chapters set in the United States, Canada, India, and South Africa. Each place brought a unique flavor to my story, but none of them felt like home. I was the outsider—too American for India, too Indian for South Africa, and stuck in the middle as too South African for America. It was like I was crafting my own identity as a global citizen, embracing the richness of my ethnic Asian background.
Now, growing up with polycystic ovarian syndrome threw some curveballs my way. Hormones decided to have a party, leaving me with excessive hair growth, persistent acne, and a preview of prediabetes. The physical toll had me wrestling with insecurities about measuring up as a woman. But from that struggle, my love for medicine blossomed.
Deciding to pursue medical school in the US meant hitting the reset button on my academic journey. Navigating a new education system and lifestyle was no walk in the park. Starting over, relearning courses, and integrating with freshmen younger than me felt like taking steps back in life. But I wasn't about to let those challenges write the final chapter.
Refusing to be defeated, I faced setbacks with an open mind, seeing them as opportunities for growth. Though demanding, that mental and academic reset built inner strength within me. During my gap year, I dove into volunteering at a clinic providing free healthcare to immigrants from India, Africa, and beyond. My adaptability built from living globally, allowed me to connect meaningfully with diverse backgrounds.
As if that weren't enough, I joined a dermatology clinic as a medical assistant. The struggle with polycystic ovarian syndrome during my adolescent years sparked an interest in dermatology. Experiencing a niche field within medicine opened up new horizons for me.
Looking back at the chapters of my life so far, if I had to capture a single snapshot, I'd never have imagined how much I've grown. Life's not a cakewalk; it dishes out its fair share of unfairness. But those moments when I had to step out of my comfort zone and persevere in the face of adversity—that's what sculpted me into a strong individual. Life's a journey, and I'm just getting started.