“I didn’t know much about what else you did. There’s kind of a perception about people that go into anesthesia, like when my non-medicine friends hear that I’m doing anesthesia they’re like, ‘Oh you’re going for the big bucks!’ Or you know, that you want an easy job. But when you’re in the OR it’s not easy and it can be really scary at times. You know, you are breathing for that person. You are making sure that they’re heart is beating normal. You’re the one making sure that their brain is getting blood flow and you have to act quick”. Max grew up in Spanish Fork, UT and knew at a young age that he wanted to be a doctor like his uncle. He is a first-generation college student who got a crash course in what it takes to be a successful college student, have a healthy social life, and build a solid foundation for medical school applications. He spent some time in Japan and stood out like a sore thumb, but learned to embrace this opportunity and fully immerse himself in Japanese culture. This experience further pushed him to pursue medicine and focus on maintaining empathy and compassion even in the most arduous of times. Today, we discuss life in Japan, The Sound of Music, how to choose a residency program, and how to combat fear and self-doubt when it comes to following your goals and dream match.