From Michele: Scrolling through Instagram, there are numerous photos to see. I bet if you stopped scrolling and really got to know the person behind each page, you would be amazed. Each person has a touching story, and it’s amazing from where each person has been.
So today, I’m sharing a story of a resident physician whom I found on Instagram awhile back. At first glance I have to admit that I absolutely LOVED the informational content that he posts (being the science “nerd” that I am), but after awhile I got to see that he’s more than just information…He’s one of the nicest and most balanced individuals on the gram. He’s a father, a doctor, and a dedicated husband, and while that looks great, if you read his story you will find that it wasn’t always the case. He had struggles and he had doubts, but he still persevered and here is sharing his story on Not a Standard today.
My name is Dr. Trent Brookshier and I am a resident physician and surgeon in San Diego, CA. It has always been my dream to be a doctor and take care of people, but it was a difficult road to make it here. There were several obstacles in my way, and several points in my life in which I did not think I would make it. It is only by the grace of God and his blessings that have helped me to achieve my dream and I am so thankful!
My road became a challenge early on with my dad walking out of my life when I was 12 years old.
The financial struggles continued growing up in a family with 4 other siblings and a mom who had previously been a stay-at-home mom who was now forced to work 2 part time jobs.
I stayed positive and focused hard in school so that I could pursue the pre-med track in college. I began volunteering at Hoag Hospital during my sophomore year of college and was struck by the compassion that I felt for the patients. Having spent weeks as a patient myself, I could empathize with them on a very personal level.
My lowest point in college was realizing that my student loans were not going to last the entire year. I was working a part time job while in the honors program at UC Irvine, but was not making enough to pay the tuition and rent. I had to take action quickly.
Starting out at a small Italian restaurant on campus, I washed dirty utensils in the steamy dish room until my hands were raw. In recognition of my work-ethic and enthusiasm, I was quickly promoted, and after a few years with the company, was advanced to manager of several locations. The only part of this experience that I regret is letting my biggest strength become a weakness pertaining to school. My college GPA suffered as I became consumed by business and lost sight of what was truly important.
By my junior year in college, I had given up on medicine and resigned myself to my seemingly inevitable future in business.
After graduating college, a friend (Josh May) recommended me for a position at Lifesharing, an Organ Procurement Organization run through UCSD.
Everything finally clicked!
I had always enjoyed volunteering in the hospital and after joining the Lifesharing team, I knew that there was nothing that I wanted more than to continue my pursuit of becoming a medical doctor in order to serve my community. So I told my wife and brother who turned out to be the biggest motivators and supporters of my decision.
I spent the next 3 years doing everything I could to boost my resume and medical school application. And I worked / volunteered for the hospital for 3 years, re-took several college classes, and took the MCAT a total of 4 times until I was finally happy with my score.
When I finally got accepted into medical school my wife and I cried tears of joy. I was finally on my way. The next 4 years were not easy but now I was on the path I had been dreaming about since childhood.
While balancing the rigorous curriculum of medical school didactics / rotations, I became a father to my two boys. My first son was born during my first year of school and my second born came just before the start of 4th year. Everyone is busy and has stressful home life events happening throughout their schooling careers.
It is how we adapt to these situations that allows us to persevere; and this perseverance builds unshakable character that will define us for the duration of our endeavors.
I say all this to remind you to NEVER give up on your dream, no matter how long it takes to get there or what obstacles stand in your way.
I feel so incredibly blessed to have made it to where I am today. Thank God, my wife Annalisa, my family, and all my friends for the support on this journey.
Trent
Connect With Him: instagram.com/Tobybluewolf
