Origin Story
“Sometimes I feel so helpless,” said this resident, reflecting on all of the challenges faced by the young patients and their families whom she served. Over the last several days, she has become increasingly overwhelmed by events in the news and has questioned her ability to make a difference in the world.
She was actively working to counteract this feeling by educating herself and becoming a voice for those who are too afraid to speak up. The biggest emotional tool she possesses is her sense of gratitude, especially her gratitude for her hardworking parents and everything they sacrificed in order for her to be where she is today.
She was also grateful to be a physician. Even though residency has been grueling, she recognized that it was temporary. “This is everything I’ve ever worked for,” she said. “I’m doing what I love to do.”
Yvette Perry, Listener Poet
Stories from Residents and Fellows for the KNN, Vol. 2
June 2025
One Human Body
By Yvette Perry, Listener Poet
If everyone felt like us, the world would
Be changed -- would see that all of us are just
One human body needing health, needing
Safety, needing love and community.
My human body fights hard every day
To not become cold, heartless, numb (like some),
Fights to figure a child’s belly ache while
This morning’s email rings in my ears: What
To do if they come for his family.
But gratefulness defeats my overwhelm.
Using my voice to help others defeats
Feelings of helplessness. Happiness beats
Hopelessness -- This best thing I’ve worked for all
My life becomes my power to make change.
