So I lived with two busy doctors. Mom and Dad. Rehabilitation medicine and Internal pulmonary medicine.
Unlike other kids at school, I never see my parents at home after school since my parents worked from seven in the morning to six in the afternoon. Growing up, I was always the first person to be home, the kid who hung out with friends until sunset, and the babysitter who took care of my little brother. Although my parents could not be with me most of the time throughout my childhood, both of them are my role models. Their actions and behaviors lead me to every person I am today. Their passion and dedication in medicine also influenced my pursuit in medicine.
I admire my mom especially. She gave me a comparison of having a full-time working mother and a full-time mother. Six years ago when my mom was at the peak of her career, she gave up her job as a physician, her position as the head of nursing home, her chances of becoming a MD/PhD and came to America with my brother and me. Mom decided that she should spend more time with us to pass our critical years in education. In the US, she was the one who helped me with learning English, the one who tutored me math, biology, chemistry, and physics, the one who took care of me when I was sick, the one who listened through all my complaints, the one who shared all my joy, the one who always encourages me when I am frustrated, the one who I rely on, and the one who I talk to when I need advises. Even in college, I talk to her everyday on the phone. Because of her, my dad’s dream of having us educated in America came true. She sacrificed her working years for my education in the U.S. During these six years, she also went to community college and took classes when my brother and I are in school. She learned painting and drawing, which she never had time to experience in Taiwan. On weekends, she participates in community services and goes to community dance classes. She also developed a new interest in gardening. Her spirits and time management skills showed me the concept of lifelong learning and lifelong enjoying.
Very soon she will be going back to Taiwan to be a physician again. After June this year I will be with my brother alone in America. However, I believe that I have become stronger and more independent in these years living with my mother. She showed me how to be a good wife, a good physician, a good mother, a good student, and a good mentor. She’s my ultimate role model!!