I remember the sinking feeling when I found out I had failed my first two exams during my first semester in medical school. Devastation doesn’t even begin to describe it. I was ashamed. How could someone trust me to be a doctor if I couldn’t grasp the material? The voices of self-doubt were deafening, and for a moment, I felt completely unworthy of this path.
The truth is, I didn’t yet know how to study for medical school. The methods that had carried me through undergrad just weren’t working here. Medical school is a completely different world, as I’m sure many of you can relate. But instead of being kind to myself and recognizing that this was a learning curve, I let pride and shame take over. I was convinced my classmates would look down on me or think less of me. I felt isolated, even though I wasn’t alone.
But here’s the truth I’ve come to understand: no one is watching your journey as closely as you think. My classmates weren’t mocking me; they were focused on their own challenges. The pressure I was feeling was largely self-imposed. Once I realized that, I was able to shift my mindset and turn this setback into a stepping stone.
A Hard But Valuable Lesson
That season forced me to take a hard look at myself—not just my study habits, but my beliefs about my own abilities and worth. I realized I was carrying a lot of false assumptions:
- I thought failure meant I wasn’t cut out for medical school.
- I believed asking for help would make me look weak.
- I assumed I couldn’t change the way I studied or approached learning.
None of that was true. What I needed wasn’t perfection—it was humility, flexibility, and faith. I had to accept that learning to study for medical school was going to be a process. Most importantly, I had to believe in myself and trust the God who backs me.
Faith and Strategy: Keys to Turning Things Around
With that realization, I leaned into two things: my faith in God and the willingness to change my approach.
I learned to trust God in my weaknesses, reminding myself of 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This verse became my anchor. I knew I didn’t have to have it all together, because God’s strength would carry me where my own efforts fell short.
At the same time, I knew I had to take practical steps to figure out what wasn’t working and adapt. I had to:
- Be kind to myself—failure isn’t the end of the story.
- Get honest about my study strategies and be willing to change what wasn’t effective.
- Focus on my own journey, instead of comparing myself to others.
- Recognize that medical school is a lifelong journey of learning and growth, not a sprint to prove my worth.
How I Passed and What I Learned
Eventually, with persistence and trust in God, I passed both classes. But the bigger win wasn’t just the grades—it was the lessons I learned along the way. This experience taught me:
- Believe in yourself: You are capable of succeeding, even when the odds feel stacked against you.
- Lean on God: His strength is made perfect in your weaknesses.
- Stay flexible: If something isn’t working, adapt. It’s not failure—it’s part of the process.
- Focus on your own race: Comparing yourself to others only creates unnecessary pressure.
Encouragement for Those Who Feel the Same
If you’re struggling right now—whether it’s in medical school or another challenge—I want you to know that you’re not alone. Struggles don’t mean you’re not cut out for this path. They mean you’re growing.
Let go of the pressure to be perfect. Instead, trust the process, trust yourself, and most importantly, trust God. As Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Practical Tips to Move Forward
Here are a few strategies that worked for me as I got back on track:
- Break down the material into smaller pieces: Don’t try to tackle everything at once.
- Use active recall: Quiz yourself on key concepts rather than passively rereading notes.
- Focus on high-yield material: Pay attention to what’s most testable.
- Practice consistency: Study a little every day instead of cramming.
- Ask for help early: It’s not weakness—it’s wisdom.
Remember, setbacks are a normal part of the journey. What matters is how you rise after them.
You Are Not Defined by a Grade
To anyone who feels like they’re falling behind or questioning their abilities, let me leave you with this: You are more than a grade. You are worthy, capable, and stronger than you think. Failure isn’t the end of the road—it’s often the beginning of growth.
Trust in the process, lean on God, and take it one day at a time. You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.