An Ode To My Father

Since I was young, I think I knew I was destined be a doctor. My dad was a physician and his dad was a physician... And in my family, I have been coined my "father's daughter." We are very much alike in the way we think, our intellect, our personality... I think you get the point.

In my mind, the culmination of this idea started with one tiny act.  Many years ago, my dad took me to the hospital with him and it was one nurse, who in only trying to be nice and make me feel welcome, made me a name tag with the words "Dr. Upson" and a doodle of little girl (which was supposed to be me) on it. Ever since then, the seed had been planted. And when I became more serious about becoming a physician, my dad would say "Paging Dr. Upson, Paging Dr. Upson" randomly when the thought came to his mind. While advising me that I should do what made me happy, I think I could tell that he secretly wanted me to follow in his footsteps to carry on the title of M.D.

Throughout the years, not only in college but even through the hardships of studying for the infamous MCAT, my dad would be there to encourage me, be my study partner, and to school me on the basics of physics. The garage, AKA my dad's man cave, certainly has all the tools to show me how Pressure=Force/Area in a hydraulic lift and the ins and outs of longitudinal sound waves coming out of his sound system. I can hear his voice now: 

• "It's just a test. You are stressing too much about this. It's only a test."
• "I can feel it. You are going to get a 30 this time around."
• "Just think - once you get that MCAT score, you can go to school at the UA, study while watching the Wildcats play, and live at home. If you and your brother both move back in, we might just have to get bunk beds." :)

In all seriousness, my dad has been the one with nothing short of an infinite, overly positive attitude throughout the process. With all the affirmations, you can't help but pick yourself back up and try again - He made me believe it WAS possible, even after failing miserably time and time again. I appreciate his shoulder for the couple cries I had when thinking it wasn't possible. But here I am about to become a doctor, and it is my dad that I owe this honor.

Dad - Thank you for being such a positive influence on me and every person around you. I am going to go be the best doctor I can be! I love you!