It’s a chilly Wednesday in October. It’s nearing 12 o’clock. Yet here I am wading through atorrential downpour that’s soaking my business attire. Nonetheless, I continue to painfully click down the pavement of UT Southwestern in heels. I’m shielded from the rain the moment I climb into the car. It’s a relief.

One could easily assume I’d be put in a grouchy mood with my hair wet, my teeth chattering, and my limbs frozen, but I’m not. In fact, I smile wide. And my cheeriness can only be attributed to the interview I had just conducted several minutes ago.

As a part of Liberty’s Independent Study and Mentorship Program (ISM), I’ve spent a major portion of my time researching my prospective career of being a physician-scientist, networking with professionals in the field, and scheduling informational interviews with them.

The process has been eye-opening.

I’ve had successes along the way, and I’ve also stumbled and faced setbacks, picking myself back up and working harder and smarter as a result.

Essentially, the class is about experiences. Experiencing the unknown. Immersing myself in new opportunities. And journeying through and overcoming fears–however big or small.

For me, the experiences I’ve had in particular interviewing with physician-scientists has already had a lasting impact.

Yes, from the discussions we’ve shared, they’ve offered so much insight and advice about my career path and trajectory, which has already started to influence my mindset and future directions.

But that’s not the main reason I’ve found the interviewing process so enriching.

The connections I’ve made through my interactions are what strike a chord in me.

Sitting face to face with a professional and asking questions about them and their work is enthralling.

Little by little, they open up, sharing their body of work with me, explaining what’s routine in their job and what’s not, and laughing at funny anecdotes and memories.

They consider their feelings on various aspects of their job based on my questions, and before I know it, there’s an undeniable gleam in their eyes–one that screams passion for their career and love for the fact they can come to work everyday with not one regret.

With childlike wonder, they become animated as they talk with words tumbling out on their own accord, their voices’ inflection, coasting highs and lows, conveying the depth and commitment of their involvement in their work and the flame of motivation that keeps them hooked to it. The opportunity to do what they love every day and make a difference in patients’ lives is a true privilege to them.

The smiles that refuse to be contained coupled with the genuine glow they unmistakably give off radiates an energy that is infectious. I simply want to hear more of what they have to say, and I want to share that aura of sincere passion and contentment in the near future.

Hearing someone talk about their interests and what motivates them every day they wake up is an experience like no other. To know what makes a person “tick” and what it is that drives their sense of purpose is awing.

Sharing such moments with professionals in the field discussing their passions had me reflecting on my own conversations with friends. Sure, when we’re not caught up with our own lives, schoolwork, extracurriculars, and other responsibilities, we do discuss our career aspirations somewhat but never quite like to the level where we can be truly absorbed and even mesmerized by the interests of each other.

I think in connecting with people or strengthening your bonds with those you already are acquainted with, such discussions add meaningful depth to your relationships. I find I know more about an individual on a personal level through them.

As such, I want to actively be more involved in understanding the passions of those around me. I want to be that person someone can sit down with and share what they hold dearly to their heart. I hope to be such a person that can match their energy when they light up with joy and sheer excitement. I want to be their biggest fan cheering them on as they carry on in life, chasing their dreams.

To think of it, what I learned in my practice of professionalism ended up very much applicable to my own personal life. For that, I’m very grateful.