I am reminded of stories of families immigrating to New York in the early 1900s with empty pockets and big dreams. They would somehow have to learn the language, fend for themselves, and make enough of a living to support one another and their loved ones back home.

Work was arduous and far less rewarding than many of these new immigrants had ever imagined. But they pushed onward — out of necessity, mainly. Some opened businesses that would one day become popular chains. Some opened craft shops tailored to specific clientele. Some opened restaurants, infusing rich flavors from home into the melting pot that is New York City. But my favorite stories are about the ones who took a riskier route and invested in others — the schoolteachers, tutors, neighborhood educators. In a way, these new Americans had the clearest foresight. Despite the sheer elusiveness of the American Dream, they focused their energy on the next generation and sacrificed for themselves many of life’s simple pleasures all for the noble pursuit of building a community and molding an identity that would be in better hands tomorrow.

This story isn’t unique to New York City but the sacrifices many new Americans made in that city never fail to inspire me.

I am very privileged to have had access to an education system that invested in me and that took me seriously from the start. The Chicago Public Schools system worked for me. My undergraduate experience prepared me equally well. My time in graduate school equipped me with the tools I needed for medical school. And although medical school has so far been the most challenging thing I have ever embarked on, I am finally earning the chance to work one on one with ill, vulnerable, or otherwise disadvantaged patients. Is it worth it? Absolutely. My parents taught me to value education as the only currency that can never be taken from you. Aside from the blessing of seeing our parents proud, we get to represent our people, our country.

A resident pediatric surgeon once told me that we Palestinians inevitable carry larger ambitions than most. Simply succeeding is not good enough. Being at the top of one’s class might also not be enough. We must redefine the concept of innovation. We must continue to create, contribute, and share knowledge. We must tap into that deep reservoir of desire that keeps us fueled and motivated in the face of a decades-long occupation denying our ancestors the right to education. Yes, this is all common sense, the resident assured me, but the solution to our problems lies in the way we sacrifice for one another. Like the new Americans who chose to invest in the youth rather than in themselves, we too have a responsibility to look out for our own. There are people who want to follow your footsteps. What’s stopping you from lending a hand? Read More