Stephanie Lee, left, with two of her children and fellow alumna Christie
Alexander, at a College of Medicine reunion.
(College of Medicine photo archive)
74 | Breaking the Mold
BEING PART OF SOMETHING NEW
Stephanie (Cruz) Lee (M.D. ’06)
One of my favorite quotes from John Wayne is “Courage is being scared to
death but saddling up anyway.” That quote has been applicable during many
chapters of my life. It became pertinent when starting at the FSU College of
Medicine. Enrolling meant joining a brand-new school. I asked: “Will it get
accredited? Will my graduation count? Is it worth my time and investment?” I
was terrified.
I remember having class meetings with the dean throughout the accreditation
process and wondering if I had made the right decision to join the College of
Medicine.
Courage, open communication and an exceptional faculty helped students
press on. We believed in the founders of the school. FSU is an educational powerhouse.
Its name is well known in undergraduate and graduate education. We told
ourselves: “Of course we’re going to succeed. There has been an abundance of
time, energy and money invested in making the College of Medicine a success.”
In the end, it worked! I am proud to say that I graduated from an innovative,
patient-centered, high-tech and cutting-edge medical school. I was also fortunate
enough to be part of its infancy and development.
There is something exciting about being part of something new. Being a
trailblazer is frightening and exhilarating at the same time. There is a sense of
fear, which cultivates a feeling of uncertainty. In the end, there is an overwhelming
feeling of pride when you turn around to see what you have accomplished.