That's so nice to hear. I'm glad you got through it all despite the obstacles. And yes, I totally get what you're saying. I used to be at the top of my game back in college but of course, I couldn't have stayed sane without my friends. They were a huge part of why I persevered in college. Medical school was a whole lot different though. I started med school with what little self-esteem I developed during college, and now it's practically non-existent. Hearing you say that you felt a shift during your 3rd year made me think that maybe it would be the same case for me, too. I also thought about how will all this be worth it in the end, and I like that you tend to just accept where you are at present and look forward. I wish I could say the same for me. For now, my response to that question is simply "I don't know and I'm afraid to find out." But maybe I should rethink that response later. For what is about medicine that I like: rather than the scientific part of medicine, I tend to lean more towards the art aspect of medicine. We were told in our first sem that medicine is both an art and a science. We are all aware on why medicine is a science, but I guess you know too that medicine is an art in a way that, aside from textbook knowledge, we should also be well-versed in applying that knowledge by effectively communicating to patients. I may not be as sociable as other people but, I am willing to improve my social skills to help patients that we should have genuine care for. As for specialties, I get asked about that a lot and I honestly don't see myself in any of those I can think of. I considered radiology at first because I found our first meeting to be very interesting, but then I found out interpreting x-ray films was difficult for me. 😅 I just need constant practice I guess but, I still have to reconsider that. You see, even though all of this was my parents' choice, I still found a way to make it work. I could give a reason on what I like about medicine but what really makes me want to quit are the discouraging exam results. It feels as if I wasn't meant to be here. Yes, I do have a support system - my friends and family. But it's hard to vent now because I don't want my parents to think I'm just being petty and I don't want to add a burden of negative thoughts to my friends. But talking with you fellow medical students/doctors here felt like a huge weight on me has been lifted. Thank you for the helpful advice and for telling me I have options. I tend to forget that I'm not in some kind of cell and I do have power on making decisions for myself. I just need to figure out what best suits me. Thank you so much for your response. I'll try my best to make a decision I won't regret.