Tamara Bockow

After college, I embarked on a journey and committed myself to a year of public service with Dr. Mehmet Oz's organization, HealthCorps.  The Brooklyn high school I worked at was a far cry from the idealistic Ivy League institution I came from. Growing up in a homogenous West Coast suburb could never have prepared me for the stories I heard and the things I experienced.  During this year, I learned more about life, humanity, humility and myself than I learned in my four years of college studying biology and neuroscience.  As I begin to embark on another journey through medical school, I know that the lessons I learned will ultimately make me a better physician.

We all have natural gifts talents that we are sometimes unaware of.  As I helped my students find some of their talents, they ultimately helped me realize my own gifts. Darell discovered that he had the ability to control the wellness of his own body, and he taught me that effective communication means understanding another's point of view. While I helped Joanna apply to college with her four-year-old daughter, she taught me that despite hurdles that may come my way, I too am capable of achieving my goals.   Shaqueta discovered her gift as a storyteller, and I uncovered my ability to heal and empower others.  Yesabeth realized that talking about how she felt improved her wellbeing, and she taught me the power of being a listener.  These new talents that I discovered will assist me as a future physician and healer. We all have so much to be grateful for, and these four students taught me the real meaning of gratitude.