A lot of you may watch Game of Thrones. For those of you who do not, it is a television show construing the success and demise of seven kingdoms that compete among one another for the iron throne. I just finished watching Season 3, Episode 9, and I really wanted to write about it. I kept pondering about the possible connection that I can make from Game of Thrones to medicine, a medical student’s life or even just to reality.
Then, it dawned on me that medicine, like everything else in life, is perseverance. A character named, Daenerys Targaryen, defines perseverance. In short, she was born a princess, and due to circumstances, she lost everything. Literally starting from nothing but sand to sit on, she revived her way up into being the Mother of Dragons, and now has an army much bigger than any of the other kingdoms. She is on her path to being the Queen. Although, it may only be a television show, her character’s inspiration is what I believe, a model to becoming a physician and life in general.
It is indeed effortless to quit when matters become overwhelming, but what defines one’s strength is one’s willingness to persevere. Shall it be a simple choice, or a life-defining decision, it is not worth making if you are not willing to make it happen. So, switching that television off to study, or saying no to your friend’s party may not make you the most content, but to accomplish the decision that you once made, some sacrifices are deemed necessary. Perseverance is the key to your throne.
