Influences on My Life

Many people can often point to one person who inspires and serves as an idol. My sister is my inspiration. Her whole life has been plagued with struggles, yet she seems to overcome each struggle with a courageous smile on her face.

When she was fifteen, our family went to India for a family vacation. We were getting ready to go on a trip to our old village when I suddenly noticed a bite--like that of a mosquito-mark on the side of her cheek. My family thought nothing of it and continued on with our trip. However, a few days later the situation drastically changed. By the time we arrived at Tirupati, my sister was unable to move. Alarmed, we rushed her to the hospital to find that a venomous insect had bitten her and now the venom had permeated her left leg and was gradually spreading through her body. The risk of paralysis was a possibility. The next few months were filled with physical therapy and doctor visits. She never cried or complained. In fact, every time I visited her she would always tell me about the great Indian food she was getting in the hospital. From her I have learned the most powerful trait of all: strength.

Today she is a fifth year medical student and I still see the same strength I did when she was in the hospital five years ago. When I'm not feeling confident, I look to my sister and remember her strength, perseverance and tenacity. With that inspiration, I've been able to find the strength and inspiration to do whatever I set my mind to. What ever I am today is solely because of my older sister, Ahalya.