Neither of my parents attended college and even more inconceivably , neither of my parents had graduated high school . My father was an Army serviceman who met my mother while he was overseas . There were no college expectations in my future . There were many moves and adjustments . I grew up with a rather chaotic childhood but had a love for books and ultimately a love for school . I was a student who was engaged and worked hard to succeed . And I was so fortunate to have numerous teachers who recognized my work and reinforced my engagement .

After high school , there was no path to college , only to work and move from the home . I obtained a job and fortunately while there , had the opportunity to have college tuition as a benefit . I began the journey of the part-time , nighttime student . While the attainment of the goal was slow , it was steady , engaging and allowed some opportunity to feel empowered . Working during the day , going to school in the evening and working on homework on the weekends fostered the work ethic that would support me in the future . Little did I know my path !

As is the case for many of us , meeting one ’ s life partner presents itself when least expected . I met my future husband , had my daughter and moved to another state as my entrepreneurial husband began the adventure of creating a successful business . My journey was just beginning .

Moving to a new state , attempting to meet people and looking for a path to complete my degree , I enrolled at Otterbein University in Westerville , Ohio . I was so very fortunate to be “ paired ” with an advisor who also held the position of Chairman of the Department of Chemistry . Dr . Rex Ogle offered me the opportunity to complete my degree in chemistry , take the MCAT and apply to medical school . How did Dr . Ogle offer me the opportunity ? By rewarding me with his belief in my capabilities , offering patience with my incredulousness and by providing support ; the academic obstacles began to disappear .

During this time , we welcomed our son into the family and I became a mother of two pursuing a degree in chemistry … again as a nighttime student . I entered medical school as a married mother of two young children , with a husband who owned a company in another city , one dog , two cats and to add to the menagerie : we picked up a pony along the way .

Fast-forward my journey ; I graduated from medical school , completed my pediatric residency at the University of Louisville and was offered a position in a private pediatric practice in the Louisville area .

The obstacles were numerous , and while it was incredibly difficult at times , each success brought a sense of empowerment – a sense of moving from “ I think I can ” to “ I know I can .” As I reflect on my journey , what obstacles presented the greatest challenge ? What obstacles could I celebrate ? What obstacles supported self-compassion ? And , what obstacles did I fail to get past ?

There were various failures on the journey with the most difficult to accept revolving around my inability to recognize what was needed for successful study skill : skills necessary for the rigors of medical school . I regret that I did not devote the time necessary to prepare prior to entering medical school . I accepted my failure by changing my study habits , developing a strong network of classmates and recalibrating my goals . This obstacle only slowly shrank and I truly celebrated its demise .

The obstacle that offered the most challenging response was the fear of failure . As a medical student , wife , mother and daughter , fearing failure resonated in my deepest thoughts . But , this also offered overcoming the obstacle of fear as an opportunity to develop resiliency . This resiliency is a tool that still travels with me on all my journeys . This has aided my ability to learn from my struggles , learn from my mistakes and laid a foundation for success . It has also allowed me to offer myself self-compassion .

My story is not unique . There are many stories of individuals who have experienced obstacles and have met success in their personal journey . Difficult times bring resiliency capacity to support success now and in the future . Obstacles can be large or small , many or few and sometimes appear unsurmountable . BUT believing that what stands in one ’ s way can be removed : that is the path forward , the path to a foundation of success .

Dr . Purcell is the Program Director for KY K . I . N . D . and serves as District IV Vice Chair for the American Academy of Pediatrics .

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