Hi, I’m Delara Muntazir, a recent soon to be graduate from the University of Washington Bothell with a degree in Psychology and Pre Med. While I originally considered medical school, I realized along the way that my true passion lies in becoming a Physician Assistant. My path hasn’t been linear, but each experience , from working as a medical assistant to coaching and even serving tables, has shaped my commitment to patient care and fueled my desire to pursue the PA profession.
Medicine is a marathon, not a sprint. Your diverse experiences, working as a medical assistant, a coach, and even as a server, have built a well rounded skill set. Every job, no matter how unrelated it seems, helps you develop communication, empathy, and problem solving skills. Instead of comparing yourself to others, recognize how your journey has shaped your perspective. There’s no one-size-fits-all route to becoming a physicans assistant or a physician.
Own Your “Why”:
Reflect on why you want to go into medicine. If you’re passionate about patient care and improving lives, let that drive you. If your priorities have shifted from medical school to Physican assisants school, that’s okay. Pursuing a career you’re genuinely excited about will make the hard days worth it.
Consistency Over Perfection:
No one’s path is without setbacks. You might have classes you struggled with, times you doubted yourself, or career plans that didn’t work out exactly as expected. The key is consistency—showing up every day, doing the work, and pushing forward. When the finish line seems far away, focus on small, actionable steps rather than the entire journey
As you’ve worked in various roles, you’ve likely built connections. Mentors, colleagues, friends, and family can provide encouragement and advice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s preparing for interviews, seeking recommendations, or just having someone to vent to on tough days.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Graduating with your degree, gaining medical experience, and pivoting toward Physicans assistant school are all big accomplishments. Make time to acknowledge what you’ve achieved. Recognizing your progress will keep you motivated and remind you why you’re on this path.
While there may have been twists and turns, you still have a clear vision: work as a Physican assistant and provide quality care to patients. Hold onto that image of yourself as a confident, compassionate medical professional. It’s this vision that will keep you going through long study sessions, applications, and tough days on the job.
Remember: You’ve Already Overcome a Lot:
From juggling multiple jobs to pivoting your career goals, you’ve shown resilience. The same determination that got you through tough shifts, exams, and personal challenges will help you overcome any hurdles ahead.
Bottom line: Be proud of where you’ve been, stay focused on where you’re going, and don’t forget to give yourself grace along the way. You’re building a future where you can thrive and help others—and that’s worth every ounce of effort.