“ I’m so confused. For the first time, I don’t know what I want anymore. I can’t believe they’re making us decide on our specialty so soon.”
Silence.
“What if, I end up doing something out of your expectation? I mean, I know you always thought I would do surgery, but what if… I didn’t? What if I ended up in a specialty that’s unglamorous in the public eye, or to you? What if I don’t specialise? Then what. “
Silence. Uncomfortable shifting.
“It doesn’t matter, Jia. Do whatever makes you most happy. If that’s doing medical missions then go ahead. Because that’s all that counts. Don’t do what makes us happy. You’ve grown up. We’ll be happy with whatever makes you happy.”
And when those words left your mouth, I just wanted to cry.