Congrats, Reem!

Spring is in the air which means graduation season is upon us! This May, my family and I were fortunate to celebrate the graduation of one very special member of our family.

Many are familiar as Reem as the youngest in our family, and while this remains true, it has been a privilege to witness Reem mature into the resilient, determined and bright young woman she is today.

A Psychology major, Reem has grown in her confidence both on a professional and personal level. Despite a rigorous curriculum, she spearheaded a volunteer organization, RVA Cares, delivering care packages to the needy in Richmond throughout her college career. She researched, she studied (many, many hours!), and somewhere along the way, she still managed to master the art of creating the perfect latte.

Particularly sweet to witness in Reem’s college journey though, is the love Reem receives not only from us, but her friends who joined us for her graduation ceremony. She has also received applaud from her extended big brothers and sisters – my friends and my brother’s friends. Thank you for cheering her on as she navigates the waters of the real world.

Now that Reem has returned home for her transitional year, I see the next step of her professional journey unfold: that of the dental school admissions process. Having walked a similar road from college to medical school to residency and finally fellowship, I am keenly aware of the road which lies before her.

Coincidently, this weekend I also attended a premier Gastroenterology conference in DC. Drawing thousands of attendees from the world over annually, DDW is a conference which highlights the best of GI research from the prior year while showcasing up-and-coming innovations for the upcoming year.

However, it was the individuals I met during the conference who truly refilled my emotional cup. From meeting attendings who encouraged me to apply to gastroenterology at the medical school and residency levels, to reconnecting with dear friends and mentors from fellowship, to sharing catch up sessions with current workmates, I was reminded, as in the case of Reem, we do not walk this journey alone.

So I end with this: to the graduates, and especially to Reem, congratulations on your achievements. An exciting new journey awaits you, and as Paulo Coelho once wrote, “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” It sends the right people to nudge you, to redirect you, and best of all, to support you, each step of the way.