Existence

Richard Suarez, MS3

The light

In the distance,

Denoting the ending of one’s life

Is an aspect of existence

Dreaded by many and desired by few.

As one traverses through the

Obstacles and difficulties of being,

None hunger for its appearance,

But all wonder about its service.

However frightening, this light is

Soft.

Calm.

Tranquil.

Connecting.

This shine at the end

Introduces a whole new beginning

In the realm of the unknown.

The uncertainty of what lies in the light

Always causes individuals to be focused on

The after, while still maintaining

One foot in the present.

Knowingly and unknowingly,

One voyages through life

In a path directed toward this light.

Whether near or far from this luminescence,

All ponder what lies beyond.

Although each person wanders their own journeys,

All persons reach the same conclusion.

The light presents one factor,

One factor

That links all life together:

Existence.

For if we did not exist,

If we did not begin,

If we did not walk our paths,

If we did not struggle,

If we did not aspire,

If we did not ponder,

If we did not LIVE,

There would be no end.

The light confirms

Our presence,

Our actuality,

Our existence.

About the Author:

Richard Suarez received his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and his Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Florida International University (FIU). He completed his Juris Master’s in Health Care Regulation from the Florida State University College of Law, where he acquired knowledge and experience concerning the legal and regulatory framework impacting medicine. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (HWCOM) as part of the Class of 2024. Throughout his academic career, Richard has strived to better his community. He has engaged in outreach programs focused on STD education in Miami-Dade and completed research in HIV therapy. He has also organized art auctions through the Mammography Art Initiative at FIU HWCOM, funding the fight against breast cancer health disparities within the Miami-Dade community. Richard has presented at numerous research conferences, such as the National Conference for Undergraduate Research, and the Peer Led Team Learning International Society Conference, among others. He has also earned various honors including the Jorge and Darlene Perez Graduation Scholar Award and is an inducted member of Phi Beta Kappa. Overall, Richard continues to push himself to become a well-rounded physician in the future.

About the Work:

“Existence” involves humanity’s constant appraisal of the aspects of life: death, love, and worth. We go through our lives seemingly unaware of the world around us and the problems of society, as well as our own. However, a unifying theme across peoples is the questioning of one’s reality and mere presence on Earth. This piece explores this condition, illustrating our daily struggle. From our introspective nature, and the blunt, short-spoken evaluation of the time we have, this work attempts to visualize the mental struggle we undergo in our day-to-day lives. We also battle with the interworking of our realities and the purpose of our actions. Overall, it attempts to discuss humanity’s shared questioning of existence.