Doing Something Brave, pt. 1

"There are all kinds of courage," said Dumbledore, smiling.

I have never considered myself a brave person.

Really! My Harry Potter house has never been Gryffindor, no matter how many “official” or BuzzFeed quizzes I take.

But every once in a while, I decide to take a leap of faith (in myself) and do something that might make me cringe at 2 am when I’m lying in bed trying to sleep.

So today, I’m doing exactly that.

I’m starting a ✨Substack✨.

Ahhh I’m already cringing a little thinking of the fact that I’m pouring what’s on my mind and heart out for the whole world to see. This stuff belongs in my journal, not out here for comments and criticism!

(If anyone is planning on dropping a potentially negative comment, trust me, you won’t win. I’m already my own biggest critic. Imagine Anton Ego from Ratatouille on steroids, except instead of criticizing other people’s food, he has a whole column dedicated to reflecting on how mean he is. But I trust you to be kind in this world. You better be, at least on my page.)

Why a Substack, now?

What will this Substack be about, and why am I starting it? I figured that:

1. I can write! With occasional grammar mistakes (I have an ESL card!). But I can write from my heart, and I hope it reaches yours too.

2. I need to write. I’ve already filled my Notes app and my journal. I HAVE THOUGHTS THAT NEED TO BE HEARD (yes, I already have a therapist).

3. My mom told me it was a good idea. The Substack community is growing, and she agreed with reasons (1) and (2). Also, she has her own Substack (about business and commerce). If you’re curious, see if you can find her in my “Following”! And honestly…who am I to say no to my mom?

4. There’s a community I want to reach: Pre-vets and veterinary students! This Substack is where I’ll share the stories of my journey to becoming a veterinary student, and eventually a veterinarian. I won’t just be giving you tips and tricks, but also entertaining anecdotes from my high school years up to now—my last year of veterinary school (send help please).

The team behind the white coat 👩🏻‍⚕️

If you’re still here…

Go to sleep or something bro. I promise you will see more from here!