Life is
[Fill in the blank]
I was called on last evening to give a brief talk to a group of newly graduating doctors, dentists, nurses, therapists, as well as a few medical residents along with their families at a small graduation celebration.
They all have been participating throughout their times in school with programs run by our local chapter of Christian Medical and Dental Societies (CMDA).
It was actually quite a simple assignment.
This essentially, is what I told them. It’s true for you and me as well.
Life is an open book test.
What I mean is that you can seek all the help and advice you need to make a good decision.
My personal advice is first to open and study the right book.
There are many books and advisors — and all of them have strong opinions.
Each one is sure he or she is right.
But we know not all can be correct.
In fact, just like in mathematics, equations must balance on both sides in order to correctly use the equal sign.
Fortunately, and controversially, there turns out to be just one way.
Only one correct answer.
If we can accept this to be true it actually simplifies life.
It cuts through all the confusion when trying to decide what to do.
So use the right book when looking for life’s answers.
A second recommendation is this.
Find — or create — a like-minded group who are in this life with you and share similar fundamental beliefs and objectives.
What is true in life is also true about your future professional life.
You don’t have to know all the answers, but you do need to decide — following listening to advisors and your own deep reflection— what it is you will do.
Yes, it’s an open book test, but you are still the one responsible for your own answers and actions.
Finally, as far as I know — it’s pass/fail. No grading on the curve.