I'll Be There - Jackson 5

Sometimes it's the most unlikely people that give you the best advice when you need it the most. Maybe there's an extra element to it because it's so unexpected but nevertheless, I had the treat of talking to our building's custodians today. Usually, it's a casual conversation including the requisite "how are you"s, talk about school, & any upcoming breaks. However, today I happened to see them & I was surprised that right after greeting me, they asked what was wrong. Admittedly, I tried to play it off like everything was okay but eventually I told them and it was possibly the best decision I've made this month.

The beauty of the human spirit to be so maternal and caring never ceases to amaze me; two acquaintances- I don't even know their names- helped put a hefty part of my life into perspective. (I know that's not the correct phrasing but I don't know what would describe it since it's not a burden or a weight, it's just there and not going away) Nevertheless, in doing so, part of their advice that they kept repeating was "you have to stay in school, you are meant to be here and this is your time to do so. You have to become a pharmacist." I wish I could describe how fervently they were saying that and the earnest looks on their faces when they said that. Honestly I was confused when they said that because I didn't understand why it would matter to two people who barely know me why they would be so invested in me & my schooling. It wasn't until the very end of our conversation when I realized they believed that I would do well to promote pharmacy. I know how incredibly self serving that sounds, but it's inspiring knowing that every day people, the kind that I know will be part of the spectrum of my future patients, are supporting and helping me to get through the difficulties in my life now to help me succeed.

It's moments like these in my life that I'm incredibly grateful and cherish. Don't misinterpret me, I don't go around fishing for compliments. Rather, it's the nourishing and knowledgeable aspect that allows us to form these invaluable connections, no matter how superficial they may seem at first.

I once got into a debate w/ Zach about people in general- he believed that people are always inherently 'bad' which is the complete opposite from me. No matter how somebody may first come off or continually do that annoys us or is appalling, there's always one redeeming quality. It's wonderful that every single one of use has so many layers and depth to us. Something profound that at a first glance, you would never think would be a part of what defines them as unique. Yes, I won't argue, people do very bad things that may be unforgivable. Yet at some point, every person has done something good or been good to some one or something else. It's experiences like the one I had earlier that continues to reinforce my belief in this. Call me naive, maybe I am, but I can't accept or live my life thinking that there isn't good in everyone. Maybe that's because I have yet to meet some one like that. It's unfortunate that we are so quick to categorize people and shove them into a respective box because there's always something else to them that will make you think twice.