How Did We End Up Here?
By Josette Graves, MS 

Underneath Buttonwood bridge,
Insulating isolation keeps the shell of a man alive.
But only barely.
How did you end up here? 

Once a devoted husband, brother, son,
Or a skilled worker with an honest job,
Seemingly mysterious circumstances brought you to this place.  
Who shall we fault? 

Society says, “You must have done drugs, right?
Something must be wrong with you.”
When in reality,
Our world has failed you. 

Pointing blame at you increases stigmatization,
And pointing blame at institutions or society
Reveals an uncomfortable amount of costly restructuring.
It seems much easier for institutions to rest the blame on you than themselves.  

Of course, this is unfair.
Let us create resources to help you,
But unfortunately,
They may not be accessible.  

Considering the cost of living and healthcare,
It is scaringly easy to get where you are.
Within the span of six months,
Anyone could be homeless.  

Secured in a building with central air,
A cozy bed, fresh food, and clean water,
Keep me alive.
How did I end up here? 

I am a daughter, sister, and niece,
A first-year medical student on her way to become a physician.
An amalgam of experiences brought me here.
Who is responsible? 

Society says, “You overcame adversity and deserve to go to medical school.”
But I also hold a privileged position as a white woman,
And regardless of my low economic status,
Our world generally supported me. 

Of course, this support should be offered to everyone.
I overcame paywalls eventually with struggle and scholarship.
When there is a will,
There should be a way. 

Considering the socio-economic limitations factoring into receiving higher education,
It becomes disgustingly obvious then,
Even after years of hard work,
Not everyone can become a physician. 

As a future physician, it is critical for me to recognize my privileged position.
I must insert myself into uncomfortable spaces
To advocate and reduce harm from the harsh conditions in our world,
You never asked for nor deserved.