The Practicality of Magic

Though Oncology is my field of study, magic is my field of relaxation. I often spend hours practicing complex routines and breathtaking flourishes that amaze the people around me. This art sends me into a place of serenity and calmness, as just shuffling the deck eases my mind. However, magic has only been a hobby for me, and though I have used it quite often in things like my homecoming proposal or just when entertaining friends, it has had little professional use, or so I thought.

Since I was 7 years of age, I have been fascinated with magic and have been learning all the tricks and maneuvers. But with this year in ISM, I found the potential it has to change my approach to so many things. When drafting my resume, I decided to put “Magician” under the skills/hobbies section. Consequently, when I went on a Research interview, the professional saw my resume and immediately asked me about this. I decided that rather than explain my background with magic, it would be better to show my expertise, as I made the pen I was writing with vanish into thin air. Not only did this amaze the professional I was interviewing, it opened my mind to a new avenue of thought.

This week in ISM, I am required to give a 10 minute speech in front of my classmates and teacher. I thought, what better way to transition into the miracles I will be performing as a doctor, than to show the miracles that I can perform as a magician. On Tuesday when I give this speech, the class will already be tired from from listening to the 4 speakers that preceded me. I signed up to speak during this middle time on purpose however, as after speaking with my ISM coach, he told me that this would likely be the time that most people would slowly cease paying attention. I know that even with my adequate speaking ability, I will be able to easily draw the attention of the crowd if I were to speak first, but I want to see how well I can captivate the audience when it is most challenging, and what better way to do that than with magic. I will begin my speech with a magic trick, that I hope will fascinate all those watching, and hold their attention so tightly that they don't want to blink.

With the recent opportunity ISM has provided me, magic is something that I have found can be a highly useful skill. This approaching week, I will put my abilities to the test, and all my endeavors will be available to view on my website under the projects tab. Hopefully, I can sprinkle a little magic into everyone else's lives as I show them the a magician’s perspective oncology.