Elena Run-driguez

As a daughter of immigrants and refugees watching all that’s occurring in the U.S. it’s a good reminder to all of us just how important education is. It’s something they can never take away from us. And even when it seems inaccessible it’s still out there.

I remember my grandfather telling me how terrible he felt leaving school before the age of 15 to work and provide for his family. But even in those times when food was barely on the table he managed to teach himself. He’s still one of the smartest, well spoken people I know.

My mom grew up during genocide. Her house was bombed, village surrounded by armed forces. She still proudly boasts how she’d stay up with candle light studying and when the war was finally over passed all her nursing requirements with flying colors. Despite this all, her high school education and nursing degree were not accepted in America because of the instability and uncertainty in which she obtained them. But that love of learning never left and she’s one of my greatest inspirations to follow a career in healthcare.

And I’m here complaining about the chance to take an expensive exam. When really I should be grateful that we survived to be able to allow me to take it let alone have the money to register for the MCAT.

This is just a ramble and a gentle reminder to myself more than anyone that we are the future our parents fought for. It’s something to remember now more than ever.