
Originally posted by busupshot83
What exactly counts as overcoming adversity?
I had a brain tumor when I was in highschool and had a 50/50 change of living. To make a long story short, I survived, finished highschool, and am in my last 2 years of college. Does that count as adversity?
Originally posted by ItsGavinC
Are you serious?
Originally posted by vishal_k32801
Have you suffered in education or in any other way? for example. Can you show that it has caused your family a lot of financial burdon or your education was affected by that ?
Originally posted by ItsGavinC
Are you serious?
Originally posted by busupshot83
no i'm joking... why would anyone in their right mind joke about that? you don't understand how many people ask me stupid questions like that...
Originally posted by aphistis
Because, as Gavin and I pointed out earlier, it's not exactly a rational question. Can you even generate a *hypothetical* scenario where surviving a life-threatening cancer to graduate college near the top of your class *isn't* overcoming adversity?
Originally posted by bloomer
bus,
i think you're the above comments the wrong way. these guys are on your side and probably noone can begin to imagine what you went through.
you definitely have overcome adversity, but i'm not sure what that technically means in terms of the application process which is I'm sure why you asked the question
bloomer
Originally posted by busupshot83
Excuse me alphi... who makes you the authority on "rational" questions? Oh I forgot, you *masticate* 3 times a day... what was I thinking? If you can't give a straight up answer without being a smarta$$, what's the point of even posting? Have a nice day alphi 😎.
bus.
Originally posted by MsPurtell
.......fellow Big C survivor here. You and I most certainly overcome adversity. I made reference to my experience and how it has changed me in my personal statement when I was applying to dental school. The important part is including how you have changed and why you think it'll make you a better professional.
I think others have been a little surprised by your question because, to us, the cancer doesn't seem as horrible as it does to other people. At least that's been my experience. I think we sometimes forget that we've beaten the devil.
Anyway, good luck and let me know if you have any questions about how to approach the subject.
Margaret
Originally posted by aphistis
Yes, I masticate three times a day. So do you. Get your notebook out, it's called a double entendre. Sure, you raise a valid point, but in reply, I'd point out that if *you* can't recognize the significance of overcoming cancer, what's the point of even applying to a health profession? Relax a little, for crying out loud.

Originally posted by MsPurtell
I don't know if you are interested, but here goes.......I don't think bus's reaction to his experience is all that unusual. Sometimes it's quite hard to acknowledge the severity of a situation you've faced. This is so for a number of reasons, but I've noticed in my case that it hasn't impacted how I respond to the severity of someone else's illness. I don't think that bus's questions regarding his own experience are any indication of what kind of health professional he will make.
Originally posted by aphistis
Because, as Gavin and I pointed out earlier, it's not exactly a rational question. Can you even generate a *hypothetical* scenario where surviving a life-threatening cancer to graduate college near the top of your class *isn't* overcoming adversity?
Originally posted by ItsGavinC
Exactly. How could it NOT be adversity? I'm actually amazed that you would even ask.
Further, I think you'll do well in the application process. And NOT just because of the adversity, but because of the complete package you offer.
