My time at Ball State has been defined by one realization: the most important tools for success are already within each person. When I arrived on campus, I was still recovering from open-heart surgery. In 2020, I had to confront a congenital heart condition that could have easily sidelined my ambitions. Navigating the rigorous demands of a biology major while healing physically was a massive undertaking. It forced me to strip life down to its essentials and adopt a mindset that I now share with every student I mentor.
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that people can succeed, regardless of who is standing in their way or who fails to walk beside them. For example, students often wait for a professor to be more lenient, a peer to be more supportive, or a situation to be more “fair.” Whether I was studying abroad in Ireland or Japan, or studying on our Muncie main campus, the common denominator was me.
Finding happiness in yourself is extremely difficult, but finding it anywhere else is impossible. I used to think goals would lead me to happiness. I treated inner peace as a destination I would reach once I got into a physician assistant (PA) school or finished a difficult semester. But I’ve realized the happiest I’ve been was during the journey. If you do not build peace within yourself during the struggle, you certainly won’t find it at the finish line.
While I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors at Ball State, Dr. Eric (VJ) Rubenstein, Thomas E. and Karen Bumb Lauer Distinguished Professor of Natural Sciences and professor of biology, stands out the most. He helped me navigate cell biology, a challenging course. Even after I completed his class, he continued to offer guidance and support. His impact is one I carry with me.
I am incredibly happy with my path, and I have learned so much throughout my four years here. I’m proud of the man I’ve become. As I prepare to graduate, finish my Clinical Medical Assistant certification, and look toward PA school, I do so knowing that my worth isn’t tied to the title; it stems from the resilience I built when things were at their worst. I know my story is still unfolding, and the possibilities are endless. At Ball State, I realized that I already have within me what I need to succeed.
I think it’s easy to mistake success for a packed schedule or a long list of accomplishments. What Ball State helped me realize is that a meaningful life is shaped just as much by your health, your growth, and your service to others. The most impactful moments are often the simplest ones—a conversation, a moment of silence, or gratitude for just waking up. Stripping away the ego to focus on your core purpose is a daily challenge, but it is where I’ve found the most peace.
— Angel Esquivel Vazquez
