What is Flourishing?
Rakshya Bhatta, SPARCC Scholar '23
This summer, Rakshya Bhatta was a scholar in MCW’s Student-Centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC) – an eight-week program that immerses undergraduate students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical research in the complexities of clinical cancer research. Rakshya shares how this experience influenced her journey toward a medical career and her understanding of the concept of “flourishing” …
My engagement with SPARCC has been an enlightening journey that has deeply influenced my perspective on personal growth and fulfillment. SPARCC, tailored to advance research in cancer-related careers, has not only imparted knowledge and skills but ignited profound introspection.
Through workshops, engaging discussions, practicum rotations, and hands-on experiences, SPARCC has encouraged me to reflect on the intricate facets of personal flourishing.
It has shed light on the fact that flourishing encompasses far more than mere success; it encapsulates holistic well-being, meaningful connections, and a sense of purpose. In particular, the SPARCC program’s emphasis on mentorship and collaborative learning provided invaluable insights, connecting me with individuals who have thrived both personally and professionally.
Furthermore, my exposure to clinical research and cancer-related fields has served as a microcosm of life's challenges and triumphs. Witnessing the dedication of researchers and professionals, their resilience in the face of obstacles, and their unwavering commitment to advancing human health has been inspiring. This has reinforced the notion that flourishing is often intertwined with the pursuit of noble and meaningful endeavors.
SPARCC added perspective to a prior, transformative experience
This past winter, I had another transformative opportunity -- to study abroad in Uganda and learn about their healthcare systems. It was an adventure that expanded my worldview, challenged my preconceptions, and left an indelible mark on my heart and mind.
It shattered any remnants of naivety I held regarding the complexities of the world. It served as a stark reminder of the immense hardships that exist beyond my immediate surroundings, unmasking the harsh realities faced by many individuals whose voices often remain unheard.
Uganda, often called the "Pearl of Africa," is a diverse nation filled with vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and warm-hearted people. Yet, beneath this surface beauty lies a profound social and economic disparity that affects vulnerable populations, particularly teenage mothers. Their dire circumstances, often driven by poverty, limited education, and societal pressures, push them into compromising situations, including trading sexual favors for necessities like food and housing.
I was especially touched and in utter disbelief when I saw an eight-year-old pregnant woman. At that time, my brother was eight and I could not fathom imagining him as a dad. The stark contrast between the innocence of childhood and the immense responsibility of parenthood was both shocking and heart-wrenching to comprehend.
This experience forced me to confront my privileges and challenged the assumptions I had unknowingly harbored. It propelled me to critically examine the structural inequalities that perpetuate such circumstances and motivated me to question societal norms and engage in meaningful conversations.
Furthermore, it ignited a fierce desire within me to advocate for social change and amplify the voices of the marginalized. Witnessing the strength and resilience of these young mothers in adversity inspired me to act. I realized that empathy alone was not enough; it must be coupled with active efforts to address systemic issues and empower those in need.
I hope to go back to Uganda one day and actively advocate for free education for these young people.
My experience with the children in Uganda will always stick with me -- the kids running up to my group and calling us ‘mzungu’ or ‘white people,’ and noting the sheer joy on their faces when coming to meet us. While there, I had the privilege of engaging in conversations with very young mothers who were compelled to exchange sex for food, which shed light on the stark realities faced by marginalized communities. I had the opportunity to visit various organizations dedicated to improving the lives of teenage mothers and talk to some of them one on one.
As someone who likes to find happiness in the smallest things, but also strives for validation from others, flourishing encapsulates the harmonious intertwining of happiness, fulfillment, and personal development.
It means to live a balanced life with little to no regrets. It means taking risks for your happiness and spending time with your loved ones. It means working hard to achieve your dreams and not letting obstacles deter you. It means putting yourself first and being okay with failure, as long as you learn from those experiences.
Reflecting on this definition, I don’t think I am currently flourishing, at least not to my full potential. I am a people pleaser to the core, so I find it difficult to say no to people or put my own needs first. I am not doing the most to achieve my dreams. For example, I am studying for the MCAT but am constantly distracted by other responsibilities and struggle to permit myself to take a break. This mindset of pushing myself and fearing that with any deviation from studying, I will fail, adds to my self-criticism.
Thinking back to Spring 2023, it was undoubtedly a transformative and flourishing period in my life. The combination of the roughest college semester and relationship problems served as a catalyst for my change in perspective. I decided to use this time for personal growth and exploration of my inner self. I spent a lot of time hanging out with my friends, studying until 2:00 AM at the library (with study buddies of course), exploring Madison, spending time with family, and traveling. At its core, this journey was an exploration of unfamiliar realms, driven by a desire to foster holistic development. This critical point in my life was not merely an isolated decision but rather a resolute pivot toward a more balanced and fulfilling existence.
Looking back, I now realize that Flourishing means taking time to enjoy every experience in life, even those outside my comfort zone. I mean, the Rakshya back in 2020 would not even go to Florida without her parents, but the Rakshya in 2023 went to Paris and Uganda by herself. Each opportunity pushed me outside of my comfort zone and taught me valuable lessons about adaptability, resilience, and the beauty of embracing the unknown.
Sometimes, we overlook the little moments that can add immense meaning to our lives.
Taking forward what I learned in SPARCC this summer about flourishing, if I were to help a mentee or peers flourish in their life, I would ask them to first define their version of flourishing.
While forming this definition, I would gently nudge them to look beyond external expectations and societal norms, enabling them to identify what truly ignites their spirit and brings them joy. I would also ask them to take a pause so that they can step back and identify the experiences that bring them genuine happiness.
Whether it's enjoying a cup of tea in the morning, taking a walk, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing a hobby, every small act of happiness can contribute to a flourishing life.
I would encourage them to cherish these moments and integrate them into their daily routines. Finally, I would remind them that flourishing takes time. No one can do it overnight and it’s okay to experience obstacles along the way.
For further reading:
Uganda Study Abroad Program: https://studyabroad.wisc.edu/program/?programId=512
Rakshya Bhatta is originally from Nepal and will complete her education at University of Wisconsin-Madison in May 2024. She joined the SPARCC program due to her interest in clinical research and a career as a physician, with potential next steps of applying to medical school. She enjoys playing tennis, watching movies, shopping, and hanging out with friends and family in her free time.