Returning to My Roots: A Weekend at My Alma Mater
I was invited as a guest speaker for the Buffalo Ophthalmology Symposium during the last week in June. The trip to my alma mater was supposed to be routine, but it had its twists! Air travel woes and a last-minute cancellation threatened to derail my plans. But sometimes, the pull of nostalgia and the promise of reconnecting with old friends and mentors are too strong to ignore. I gathered my courage, whisked my mom along (who impressively packed in under ten minutes!), and we set off for an overnight drive to Buffalo.
There’s something special about returning to the place where you spent your formative years. As we drove through the Pennsylvania mountains in the quiet hours of the night, I felt a mix of anticipation and gratitude. The drive was long and tiring, but the changing scenery—rolling hills, misty valleys, and the bloom of summer—made it beautiful in its own way.
Arriving in Buffalo, I was greeted by familiar sights and the warm embrace of family. We stayed with my cousins, and met uncles and aunts. I was instantly reminded of the comfort of home-cooked meals made with love. There’s nothing quite like sharing a table with family, swapping stories, and laughing over dishes that taste of the good old days.
The symposium itself was a whirlwind of activity. Standing at the podium as a guest speaker, I felt a surge of pride and humility. My talk was well received, and I was grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences and insights with the next generation of ophthalmologists. The evening graduation dinner was a celebration of hard work and new beginnings, and I found myself reflecting on my own journey—how far I’ve come, and how much I still have to learn.
In the short span of a weekend, I managed to visit both the north and medical campuses of the University at Buffalo, drive around the sparkling shores of Lake Erie, and catch up with a high school friend who has been in touch over decades. My cousin even took the time to show me some resistance exercises, which I’m excited to add to my fitness routine. It was a reminder that growth doesn’t stop after graduation; we’re always learning, always evolving.
The trip was exhausting, but deeply fulfilling. Sometimes, you just have to make a decision and trust that the rewards will follow. Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t let the obstacles stop me. The weekend was a beautiful blend of celebration, connection, and reflection—a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination, and that the fruits of our choices often come in the form of special moments shared with those we love.
