Last weekend, we celebrated our 25th year anniversary of graduating from medical school. Who would have guessed that we almost lost all hope ten days before the event? In fact, we seriously entertained the idea of canceling the entire event we had planned over the last year or thereabouts. However, despite all odds, we were determined to make the reunion memorable. For those who may not know us, we are UCH 95 set, the best set of medical doctors who graduated from the College of Medicine of the University of Ibadan. Our story highlights the power of human connection. It underscores the importance of developing resilience to deal with the stresses of life.
The Adversity
As the reunion date approached, unforeseen challenges began to emerge. These challenges threatened to derail our reunion entirely. Yet, amidst the chaos, we decided to embody the very spirit of resilience we had learned during our college years. If you know UCH 95 set and our story, you will understand that adversity is not new to us, and we have always risen to tackle our adversity with resilience. No wonder we are the best!
Our challenges ranged from the unavailability of funds to canceled and delayed flights and luggage. In fact, our reunion happened right here in Atlanta, the city whose airport was most hit by the recent massive IT outage. To top that off, many of us were flying in through Delta, an airline that delayed and canceled thousands of flights just that week.
Rising to the Challenge
In those ten days before the event, our group rose up and not only salvaged the event but catapulted the event to even greater heights. Instead of giving in to disappointment, we embraced the situation with flexibility and positivity. We created and modified our itineraries, rescheduled our flights, and did everything to support one another and ensure the reunion was a success despite our numerous challenges. We pooled resources for those who had delayed luggage, especially the women, to ensure everyone looked beautiful and fully clothed.
Trust us, women; some of us took that opportunity to go shopping to help a sister out. It seems we women cannot resist the slightest chance to go shopping because the same thing happened last year with my high school classmate. Check out “When Friends Show Up: The Power of Teamwork” for more on how we rose to the challenge as a team. As a matter of fact, retail therapy was one of the proposed activities for our reunion. Check out these “7 Reasons to Go Shopping” if you don’t believe that shopping is retail therapy.
The Reunion: A Testament to Resilience and Love
Despite the hurdles, the reunion turned out to be an unforgettable experience. The shared adversities strengthened our bond, making the reunion even more meaningful.
One of us said after the reunion, “It was just as if we were still in UCH.” That means our bodies may age, and our knees may groan when we move, but we all remain young at heart. Some thought others had changed, but I thought everyone’s personalities remained the same. The troublemakers still made trouble – in a good way, and the quiet ones, like me, maintained their quietness.
Overall, our experience highlighted the importance of resilience. By adapting to change and supporting each other, we salvaged our reunion and created lasting memories that were richer for the challenges we overcame together.
Why we are the best
And for those who have a problem with us claiming to be the best, let me reiterate: We are indeed the best. The best is someone who is strong, outstanding, and resilient, and we have proven once again that we are the best. It’s a mindset thing. Believe in your heart that you are the best and proclaim it, and you can become the best, just like us!
Adversity – A Necessary Evil?
Do you like adversity? No one does! Unfortunately, only through adversity can we build resilience and grow to our fullest potential. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. It is a crucial skill that we must all aim to develop because we cannot avoid setbacks in life. Therefore, instead of seeing adversity as something terrible, let’s start viewing it as a fuel or catalyst for greater things.
Our reunion story exemplifies how resilience can turn adversity into an opportunity for growth and connection. It reminds us that while we cannot always control the challenges we face, we can control how we respond to them.
So, what adversity do you face today? Your challenges may be far different from having a successful reunion. You may be facing financial hardship, the loss of a loved one, health problems, or a myriad of other issues. To build resilience and successfully navigate these life issues, remind yourself that “these too shall pass.”
The Importance of Developing Resilience and its Impact on Our Health and Well-being
Resilience helps you bounce back from difficult life events. A lack of resilience means you may have a harder time coping with stress, which may cause you to feel overwhelmed or helpless. This can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms like isolation or self-medication.
Developing resilience involves several key aspects:
1. Flexibility: Being open to change and willing to adapt when things don’t go as planned.
2. Optimism: Maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of setbacks.
3. Support Networks: Relying on friends, family, and community for support and encouragement.
4. Self-Care: Prioritizing mental and physical health to stay strong during tough times.
Building resilience has profound effects on our health and well-being. Nurturing our resilience will enhance our ability to navigate life’s ups and downs and enrich our relationships and overall well-being.
Studies show that resilient individuals experience lower stress levels, better mental health, and improved physical health. Resilience helps us manage stress more effectively, recover from illness faster, and maintain a positive outlook on life.
Final thoughts
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing (James 1:2-4, NLT).
I have made many friends over the years, but my college friends are still among my best friends. We have gone through the different phases and seasons of life together. We have laughed, cried, mourned, and rejoiced together. In times of adversity, I have always relied on God and the strength of my family and friends. And I pray that we will always continue to be pillars of support for one another.
In any case, I am glad we didn’t tone down our reunion celebrations as we considered when everything seemed hopeless. I want to thank the planning committee and those who never gave up on the dream of a great reunion. Twenty-five years since graduating from medical school is a great reason to celebrate together, and we all have a lot to be grateful for. Amidst all the celebrations, we remember our former classmates who are no longer with us and pray that their legacy shall live on.
In the end, the reunion was a celebration of the past and a powerful demonstration of the strength that comes from facing adversity together. It served as a reminder that love, resilience, and a positive attitude can transform even the toughest situations into moments of joy and connection. Till we do this again, I love and appreciate you all. And, as always, we remain the best!
Please feel free to comment below and share this article,
Yours in health and fitness,
Doctor Abi
Love this. Another excellent price from you.
Thanks, Zainab.
Great write up Bim!
Thanks, Yemi.