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How to Say “Nay” to the Naysayers

in pre-pa on 03/04/18

Can I get a hand raise for all those that have had some well-intentioned person inject their negativity into your plans?

 

If you haven’t experienced this, great!

 

However, if you are like many pre-PA students, you’ve probably interacted with a loved one who was less than supportive of your PA goals.

 

How do you say “Nay!” to a naysayer?

 

It’s not easy. But listen folks, if I listened to every person who said I couldn’t do something, I would be shriveled-up shadow of myself. This is a tough road, and I’ll bet these conversations are based on someone’s love and care for you, so tread lightly.

 

Let’s go through some common ways that people like to throw wet blankets on your fire, and how to respond.

 

 

Naysayer Scenarios and Strategies for Deflecting Negativity

 

Naysayer: Are you sure you don’t want to be a doctor?

You: I researched every aspect of the MD and PA career and I am sure of my path.

 

Naysayer: PAs are just glorified assistants.

You: Oh, is that why they make $100,000 a year in their first year of employment? I’ll take it!

 

Naysayer: Are you sure you are smart enough? I’ve heard that PA school is tough!

You: Wow! Just wow. I will leave that to the ad com after they evaluate my stellar GPA.

 

Naysayer: NPs are better than PAs.

You: Although I have nothing but respect for nurses, my strengths line up with the PA profession.

 

Naysayer: I’m sure this is just one of your fading bright ideas that you will move on from in a week.

You: !@#!@$!@$

Don’t let someone extinguish your fire!

 

Sorry about the last one. I actually recommend avoiding all expletives but as you already know, sometimes it is exhausting to defend your dreams and passions.

 

I want you to know something about naysayers. They only have power if you give it to them. There will always be somebody out there who has a hard time thinking big or seeing the big picture. Generally, they have concern for your future and want you to avoid pain and disappointment. This is when adulting and navigating relationships gets really tricky. Its important to gently but firmly draw boundaries. Set them straight. Tell the naysayers in your life that you appreciate their concern, but that you are confident in your decision (even if you feel a little wobbly sometimes!). If they continue to push, you need to put clear boundaries in place. If they don’t support you, it may be time for a little distance.

 

Friends, pursuing a career in healthcare is not easy. We know it. We also know it is worth it. You need to surround yourself with people that boost you up. Spend very little of your time and emotional energy correcting the naysayers. Once you have your degree and your dream job, you will be glad you didn’t give them any power over your life.

 

So tell us, what reactions have you received when sharing your plans to become a PA? Were people supportive? How do you handle it when people question your decision? 

 

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2 Comments

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« Failure as a DREAMER
Organization for the Win: Get organized now and stay on top of the PA school application process »

Comments

  1. CB says

    May 24, 2019 at 9:03 am

    When I expressed my desire to become a PA, my husband’s aunt had a LOT to say about how so and so applied, got in, and didn’t make it and kept emphasizing how difficult PA school is just based on one person. I literally told her a story about a woman I know that has a teenager, the teenager is all over the place with her decision on a career. But I realized later that the teenager is this way because for every single career that she mentions to her mom, her mom destroys her desire and instills fear into her about the difficulty and how hard it will be for her to accomplish such and such program. So this teen is working in fast food because she doesn’t have support or guidance at home. My husband’s aunt paused and quickly said “oh that’s not what I meant, oh geez blah blah” and she felt bad. Her excuse was that her father did the same thing to her so it’s already a habit to be negative about things people express they want to accomplish.

    Reply
    • Rachael says

      May 24, 2019 at 3:04 pm

      Good for you for calling her out! Sometimes people just don’t even realize the tapes that they replay in their head over and over again. They become toxic without even realizing it! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply

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What people are saying about PA Trek Coaching

I would like to share some excited news with you. I recently was accepted to 2 PA schools and still have another interview coming.

I was accepted to Marshall B. Ketchum in Fullerton, CA, and Touro University- California.  and another interview at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Ca.

I wanted to thank you for giving me the best coach ever. He is super supportive and always check if I was ok during the process. I am so happy and proud of myself that I even got in the first year. I know how competitive PA schools are, so I am just so thankful that I found you all.

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Betty, accepted at Marshall B. Ketchum and Touro University, California Coaching Package

I took your advice and went into my interview with confidence. I just want to thank you so much for all your help!!! I am truly grateful for what you’ve done for me. 🙂 

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Robin Coaching Package

I don’t even know how to thank you for all your help!! I was accepted to my first choice program at the Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program Class of 2019! Not only that, but I was one of those they called right after the interview. I am absolutely excited (and scared)!

Thank you again for all your through assistance! I don’t think I could have done this without you!

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I just got their acceptance email. Beyond excited and grateful. Thank you so much for everything. I would not have come this far without your help!

 

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Aleena, accepted at UTGRV Mock Interview/Personal Statement Critique

My experience with PA Trek Coaching was great. The team really provided me with the guidance I was looking for, plus tons of extra information that really came in handy. Initially, I was struggling with my personal statement but my PA Trek coach encouraged me to look inside myself and dig deep. Without their help, I’m not sure if I would have been able to articulate my story in such a professional way. Additionally, the mock interview with my coach gave me a new perspective and insight on the entire process. I know the mock interview helped me gain confidence with my interviewing skills, which really paid off. Thank you, PA Trek Coaching! 

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Liza Chapman, accepted at Emory University Coaching Package

I used personal statement review and interview bootcamp. These resources were INVALUABLE to me. I felt my confidence grow, and when it was time for my last interview at my top choice school, I killed it!

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Lindsay Hickman, accepted at St. Catherine University, MPAS Personal Statment Critique/ Interview Bootcamp Personal Statement Critique and Interview Bootcamp

I just wanted to share that after my ONLY interview this cycle (aaand my first cycle applying), I was just accepted to Carroll University’s PA Program and will be starting this coming May!!!!!
I will be forever glad that I took advantage of  PA Trek! My coach gave me great advice and suggestions which I definitely took to heart and worked on the week following our mock, and knowing what I needed to work on gave me the confidence that I needed. I felt I truly rocked that interview and clearly I did something right. 🙂

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Mary, accepted at Carroll University Mock Interview

We took an hour for a mock interview at the end of September and I just wanted to give you an update on my interviews! So far, I have gone to four. I was accepted at South University (Savannah, GA) and Western Michigan University! Your mock interview helped me so much. At WMU, I had an impromptu essay about the state of health care in America / pros and cons of the current health system and I felt completely prepared – I wouldn’t have had too much to say if you hadn’t recommended I look into it further! Just wanted to let you know! Thanks so much for your time. It was well worth it.

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Laura, accepted at South University and Western Michigan University Used our Mock Interview

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