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This is Keeping it Real, part a series of videos about how people became interested
in their healthcare career and their journey to get to where they are today.
Everyone watching this video is a product of a team of diverse people,
who have in some way, shape or form,
invested time, energy and commitment that has contributed to where we are now.
Be it our parents, grandparents, close friends and family, neighbors, teachers.
And of course, our supervisors and mentors.
It really does take a village.
I'm a product of a very large village.
Probably the largest in the world,
who at varying levels in times have helped me get to where I am today.
As you will go on this journey with me, I want to start us by sharing a story.
Once upon a time, there was a young girl growing up in the barrio of Detroit,
at times not always with a roof over her head, who grew up with poverty and
violence.
Many people repeatedly told this girl,
she didn't have a chance at realizing her dreams.
She was told that she wouldn't make it through college.
And when she got to one of the best colleges in the United States,
she was told that she didn't have a rats chance in hell of getting into medical
school and becoming a doctor.
And when she graduated with highest honors,
near the top of her medical school class and have received clinical and
research training at more famous universities.
She was told he research didn't have any legs and would not succeed.
And this odyssey of experiencing a series of people and
situations that signaled to her what she could not do, or what she shouldn't do or
what she wasn't going to be when she grew up, created an amazing catalytic reaction.
When combined with a series of amazing investors, sponsors, role models,
philanthropists, friends, family and leaders, just a large of group brilliant
people across multiple sectors of health, medicine, advocacy, policy and education.
Those people who made the brave and bold choice to acknowledge,
there was more than just a single story in medicine and leadership.
That there was more to me than the usual stereotypes and biases.
While this little girl, she kept prevailing.
She kept keeping, despite the concrete barriers erected around her.
She dug in her roots and she grew with the help of this team of supporters.
And now she's before you here, having beaten the odds.
Like many, I strongly believe that success is not about the destination,
but rather one's journey.
And with this journey, one's experiences and support, both positive and
negative aspects, play important roles in shaping success.
My hope is that everyone recognizes that we, globally are all in this together.
Ultimately, when we work together, when we create bridges together and
when we recognize that there is more than just a single story to every person and
that every person has talent that can be tapped, we can accomplish so much more.
We are all shaped by our past experiences and we all need help.
No matter what level are at or how successful we are.
And I am very appreciative of all of his help and past experience.
I am very privileged and this is why I have created
this course to help you all on your journeys.
It is my hope that on this journey,
you realize that everyone has strengths and skills.
Everyone has the capacity to learn.
There is possibility, hope is not a privilege.
Your dreams are valid.
And I look forward to continuing this journey with you all together.
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