I found hope and inspiration after reading press reports concerning
the 2012 Nobel Prize for medicine. Two scientists, Sir John Gurdon and Shinya
Yamanaka, helped to prove that adult cells can be reprogrammed back into embryonic-like
stem cells. This finding will help ease some of the controversy surrounding
stem cell research. It is thought these “new” stems cells could be used in
treating diseases like Parkinson’s and , my favorite, Multiple Sclerosis.
I mentioned that these news reports gave me new found hope
and inspiration, but not for reason’s concerning my MS diagnosis. Sure this
discovery is a step in the right direction, but I realize that it will be years
before these findings make their way from the laboratory into new medical
treatments and they won't impact my MS prognosis.
What is inspiring to me is Sir Gurdon’s perseverance. Back in 1949, when Gurdon was just 15 years
old, a professor wrote the following:
"I believe Gurdon has ideas about becoming a scientist;
on his present showing this is quite ridiculous; if he can't learn simple
biological facts he would have no chance of doing the work of a specialist, and
it would be a sheer waste of time, both on his part and of those who would have
to teach him."
Sir Gurdon stuck with his idea of becoming a scientist and has a copy of the school report hanging on the wall of his laboratory . He I guess he proved that educator wrong.
I too, had critics when I was younger. (Mrs. Steiner, my sixth grade
teacher, who labeled me as an under-achiever, and my mother). They formed their opinions about my writing ability when I
was in middle school, producing pieces like the one I have posted below. "The Perfect Age is 24" is the earliest example of my writing that has been unearthed from my mother's basement.
The Perfect Age is 24
(Written circa 1971)
I think the perfect age would be 24. I have
only lived 13 years. They were fun but I’ve heard people talk about it. It
sounds fun.
I would like to be anything over 21 so I
could vote but I chose 24.
At 24 I could vote for the laws and people
I want and I could voice my opinions. I could be on my own and do what I like
to do.
I might be out of collage (sp) so I
wouldn’t have to worry about going to collage (sp). If I didn’t have a job I
could just ride around on a cycle and see the country. If I had a job I could
still ride on weekends.
I would be free to go somewhere and drink
and maybe even sometimes get kind of happy. I could go out with girls any time
and not have to be home at any special time.
I could grow my hair to any length I want.
I could have a mustace (sp?) too.
If I was marryied (sp) I would still have a
good time with my wife and maybe some kids running around the house.
Some of the bad things about being 24 are
that I would have more responsibilities than I used to. I would have to spend
my money carefully and not spend it foolishly.
I still would like to be 24 years old all
of my life.
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After reading this piece, with all of the spelling errors, omitted words and punctuation miscues, I can understand why they had
misgivings about my literary prowess. But maybe if I had been more perseverant and if my critics had worked with me on the importance of the 3 R’s (Rereading Revising &
Rewriting) I might have chosen a different career path. Who knows, I might have had a book published by now.
But wait, Sir Gurdon is 79 years old, so that gives me 24 years to achieve my goal. And we know all about my affinity for 24 years
It is up to me to add in a fourth R.
REINVENT
