Augusta
“Being a woman to me is amazing. We are so strong yet have the ability to be vulnerable and empathetic. Especially as black women, we fight so much for others, to make sure others are okay and doing well, all the while dealing with micro aggressions and our own insecurities. But we move, and it’s inspiring and courageous.”
Augusta is an optimist, a trusted confidant, and someone who looks out for others. She is passionate about global health and has traveled the world during the course of her residency to become a doctor. Reaching her goals in the medical field put her through rough and challenging terrain at times, but she has been able to persist and feel appreciative of the journey that got her there. She carries her passion for helping others into the avenue of Instagram, sparking conversations surrounding valuable topics from grief, to medicine and self care. Meet Augusta. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
A: Hi! My name is Augusta! I’m originally from Ghana, West Africa and moved to the US when I was 6. I’m a doctor in my final year of residency. I love traveling, fashion, music and being around people that make me happy.
K: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
A: I would probably describe myself as a perpetual optimist. Someone who is alway looking for the silver lining and the good in others. I am also the oldest of all my siblings so I also have the annoying (haha) quality of always giving advice and mothering people. I honestly can’t help it. I love talking through problems with people.
K: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
A: My favorite thing about myself is my ability to connect with people. My friends used to tell me “you’re always making friends wherever you go.” It’s definitely true. I love talking to people, asking them probing questions and finding out information about them!
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
A: I would say an experience that made me stronger was probably my pathway to medicine. It was a rocky road, filled with multiple disappoints, highs and lows, but it taught me perseverance and humility. It also taught me not to sweat the small stuff and that everything will work out how it’s supposed to. I have a huge appreciation of where I am in life and what I do, because of what I went through. I wish it wasn’t that way, but then I see how I relate to my patients and people in general and I understand why my path was paved that way. One of my favorite quotes is this one from Mulan, “the flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.”
K: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Something I would say to my younger self is “You are exactly who you think you are and whatever is meant for you will be for you. Don’t give up just because it’s hard, your future self will be happy you didn’t.” I would probably also tell her to live in the moment. I feel like I was always looking to what’s next, always trying to plan 4 or 5 steps ahead. I wish I had stayed present more than I did.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
A: Being a woman to me is amazing. We are so strong yet have the ability to be vulnerable and empathetic. Especially as black women, we fight so much for others, to make sure others are okay and doing well, all the while dealing with micro aggressions and our own insecurities. But we move, and it’s inspiring and courageous.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
A: I don’t necessarily have one woman who inspires me. Whenever I see a woman being a badass and running things I’m inspired. Whether it was my mom, my aunties, my friends, my siblings, my co-workers or just a random woman on the street. I love to see us shine and do well. I get so much joy and inspiration from that and it keeps me motivated to do well.