Sometimes You Don't Choose, But It Works Out
On the day after International Women's Day, let's continue celebrating amazing women in our lives each and every day!
If you've been following along the weekly Little Hidden Gems, you would've read about my journey to America from Cameroon. Well, there is more to the story. My older sister, Daisy Ayim MD FACOG FAACS, and brother, Emmanuel Ayim, Ph.D, also made a similar trek together a few years later.
Always eagerly embracing her role as the eldest sibling with dedication and conviction, my sister has been a trailblazer since childhood. For example, she made the bold choice to attend Louisiana State University, which is clearly not in Texas where we grew up. Despite the unfamiliarity, Daisy excelled and proved that the uncharted can be conquered. Graduating high school at 16 and completing college by 20 were just the beginning. She went on to medical school at UTMB AT GALVESTON. During these years, she always had medical books by her side whenever I saw her.
Today, Daisy stands as the first female medical doctor in our family history with impressive residencies at Methodist Hospitals and Howard University Hospital and previously holding a faculty position at John Hopkins University and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston). She has a thriving solo practice in Houston, which will celebrate its 17th anniversary this year. She expanded her expertise from OBGYN by also becoming Board Certified as a Cosmetic Surgeon, launching Polished Beauty Podcast that delves into all things health on a weekly basis, and becoming a sought-after medical conference speaker. On top of it all, she is a mother.
She really does make it look easy, but I can assure you it is not.
Admittedly, it can seem daunting to follow in such huge footsteps at times, but I am grateful that she generously shares her wisdom, encouragement and patience.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have Daisy as my sister.
It is true that family isn't chosen, but, sometimes, it works out perfectly.
