By Claire Wilson
Life is a series of peaks and valleys. Moments that rise and fall the way an ocean tide flows with the Earth. We often choose to forget how much progress we have made, always looking to what still needs to be understood to reach the next milestone. The past reminds us; disappointments and accomplishments are equally beneficial to our careers. Negative results are motivation to reach a higher level of opportunity.
The recent changes in my life have taught me the peace of being in the moment. To not have to plan every step of my life in advance. The opportunities that I did not expect were the ones that carried me the farthest. The challenges I feared the most have advanced my career the fastest. The working world is no longer based on finding one job and retiring in 40 years. Success is now dependent on the willingness to change. Relocate, move through different companies, try many different job titles, take a pay cut for a healthier environment. The expectation to live outside a comfort zone. To challenge your mind with learning every single day.
I have been part of the HTM community for four and a half years now. I still feel like that 18-year-old girl, graduating during the ruins of a global pandemic. I was told the best years of my life were already over. I never believed what society wanted me to think. There is no limit to potential and growth, at any age of life.
Some of the most respected and influential mentors and leaders of the HTM community have explained to me the most important key to growth is attitude. The ability to stay positive even on the worst days. Positivity reflects gratitude.
In October 2024, I had just moved over halfway across the country for a job. After settling into this new endeavor, I quickly realized that I was not meant to stay. Cautiously, I started looking for a sign that would lead my career to a brighter future. My father had mentioned to me his colleague, Dave Scott, was working on a presentation for MD Expo and was looking for a beginner biomed to share ideas with. I explained that I was interested in learning more about this presentation idea, knowing that the deadline for the pitch was quickly approaching. I was completely out of my element. I struggle with social anxiety and had no formal public speaking experience prior to the presentation. I used to do my homework in conference rooms while my dad and Dave Scott taught classes to help prepare individuals for CBET exams. It had been six years since I had seen Dave. Six months later, I was in California sharing my ideas with him, in front of an audience. Presenting at the April MD Expo was one of the most terrifying and rewarding experiences of my life. I found a network of like-minded people sharing their experiences and advice. They gave me hope when I needed it most. The encouragement to do other presentations in the future is what led to a major advancement in my career.
I had a lifelong dream to live in the Rocky Mountains, since growing up in Denver, Colorado.
By the beginning of 2026, I left behind my life in New York and accepted a job at Yampa Valley Medical Center, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The promotion moved me from a BMET I to a BMET II. I have officially been on the job for one month. I recently adopted two puppies. I am making genuine friends and feel a surge for creativity like never before. I have more energy, I smile more, I have learned to be more patient and less critical over small frustrations. My life is not consumed by needing to be more. I am enough, in this moment.
The best gift I could have given myself was to start over. Not from scratch, from experience. I have created a healthy work-life balance. I encourage myself every day to build healthier habits. Wake up earlier, read more, let my mind slow down and enjoy even the simplest moments. My career has advanced my life in every aspect. The best advice I can give anyone is to chase your dreams. Do not worry about the “how” or “when.” Just focus on where you want your life to grow and spend every moment building goals into accomplishments.
