Alumni Spotlight: Zoie Walker

Hello Everyone!
 
I hope your 2018 is off to a great start and you are filled with excitement for the year ahead! I am a 2012 Terry Scholar from Cross Plains, Texas. I graduated high school and left my tiny hometown to move to Lubbock for my adventures as a Red Raider. My time at Texas Tech was possible because of the Terry Foundation, and I have made countless Terry friendships that will last me a lifetime. Because of the foundation I was able to study abroad in Paris and Italy, and participate in so many organizations at Texas Tech. One of my favorite experiences as a Terry was serving on the interview panel during my senior year. Learning about the process of scholar selection helped me to understand to a greater extent the impact that Mr. Terry has had on so many young lives. I am currently a second year medical student at TTUHSC. I am part of the FMAT program, so I will finish my last year of medical school in 2019 and begin my family medicine residency here in Lubbock- I guess you could say West Texas has grown on me!
 
I decided to tackle the new year with a new word (cheesy... I know!) This year my word is TENACIOUS. When considering on how this word can get me through the year I found that the word tenacious and Terry scholars have a lot in common, and I hope maybe you can use some of these qualities to tackle your goals for 2018!
 
1. Tenacious can mean persistent. For me, persistence is especially important during this season of my life. As I prepare to take my first board exam this June, I know that I am going to have to persevere through many months of preparation.... bring on the caffeine!
 
2. Tenacious can also mean patient- I often find myself feeling like I know nothing after a long day in clinic. I am reminded that success as a physician takes time and numerous years of experience. Nothing is easy at the start!
 
3. Lastly, tenacious can mean unshakable- this is going to be a tough one for me! Fearing failure has haunted me for as long as I can remember, and sometimes I let failure really "shake me up". I try to remind myself that failure is inevitable, it is a stepping stone. Success is born from failure. I hope that this year I can remain strong despite the failures I encounter along the way.
 
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about life in med school, life in Lubbock, or just life in general (still trying to figure it all out)! Terry on and wreck 'em!!
 
Zoie 

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