Anum
“I believe none of us is flawless, it’s all about how you carry them; either by succumbing to them, or owning them with your head up high, facing them and working on them.”
Anum’s mentality as a leader has brought her great success in her personal and professional pursuits, especially as she navigates her way through the medical field. As a second year Internal Medicine Resident in the United States, she utilizes her social media platform to connect with others in the healthcare sphere, sharing a range of content from interview tips, to residency routines and product essentials. Perhaps most notable is her willingness to be vulnerable, documenting the mental health challenges and instances of discrimination she has faced on her journey. She is a pillar of strength and inspiration, encouraging women to pursue their passions in life and not settle for the limitations society has readily placed on them. This is Anum’s story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
A: My name is Anamm aka Anum, I am a 26 years old Pakistani woman and currently training as a second year Internal Medicine Resident in Upstate New York.
K: Describe yourself in your own words
A: I am just an ordinary woman, I relate with every woman who has had barriers, hurdles, difficulties in achieving what they wanted. I started an Instagram blog known as @matchednmarried initially as a hobby that turned into resonating, reflecting and relating with south-Asian or women globally who have had similar aspirations but a bumpier road to success compared to their male counterparts. At the same time, I have helped International Medical Graduates who choose the hard path of pursuing medicine in the United States and have given them my real, transparent everyday struggles in the healthcare profession.
K: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
A: My ability to own my flaws. I believe none of us is flawless, it's all about how you carry them; either by succumbing to them, or owning them with your head up high, facing them and working on them. Easier said than done but it brings in a sense of freedom and liberty that you get nowhere else. You have flaws, you are not your flaws. There is so much more to every human.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
A: My story is about making a choice. A choice between love or career, that often many women face. Right when I was graduating from medical school, I was given an option to pursue my hard earned career or settle for love. Initially I did what most women do, sacrifice their career just to soon realize that is not worth it. I refused to settle for "Love". It was not the easiest thing but it was definitely one thing that made me feel that if I could do this, I could do anything for my profession and independence. I proved to myself that I deserved to be called loyal to my profession. It made me realize that we can break barriers if we really want. It made me capable of looking into the eye of any man/relationship and say, "Stop me, if you can.” If I have God, I don't need anyone else and if you give yourself a chance, you'll receive what you truly deserve.
K: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: You are more than the way you look, you are doing great regardless of the criticism you received. You are enough, but you’ll never be enough for society. You don't need validation, you need self love.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
A: Being Independent: financially, emotionally and socially. Somehow the universe/society works in a way that women are brought up to be dependent for money, for love, for acceptance. I have seen so many women suffering because they think they are weak or are unfortunately dependent. As a woman I advocate for my own identity, my own freedom and liberty. I refuse to accept my dependency as a barrier to the decisions I want to take for myself, my life or my well being in any aspect.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say if they were here now?
A: Every woman that refuses to succumb to societal pressure. Who raises a voice for herself and stands up against any injustice or being deprived of her basic rights, who understands her worth. If I could say anything to them it would be, "Continue to empower, we all need it."