Pulse of Perseverance

Book excerpt: What drove three young black men, each from America's most urban environments, to achieve their dreams of becoming doctors? The answer is in the Pulse of Perseverance. In 1998, Max Madhere, Pierre Johnson, and Joe Semien were three young, black, premedical students at Xavier University of Louisiana. Each was struggling with the demands of Xavier's rigorous curriculum, yet each was determined to succeed, even if the statistics, or the stereotypes about black men, said otherwise. By drawing on each other's determination and individual strengths, they forged a brotherhood and created a bond so strong that it would carry them through college, medical school, and well beyond. Now they've come together in Pulse to share their stories and encourage young people of color to pursue high-level careers. Max grew up in New York City and Washington D.C., Pierre in Chicago, and Joe in New Orleans. Underperforming schools, instability in the home, the trappings of street life, or simply being "expected" to fail could have derailed their aspirations, yet all three men refused to accept failure as an option. No obstacle was too great, no ambition too high.Today, Dr. Maxime Madhere, Dr. Pierre Johnson, and Dr. Joseph W. Semien Jr. are each board-certified physicians, as well as fathers and community mentors. Their message in Pulse is both simple and complex: no matter where you're from, no matter what "society" tells you, you can realize your dreams with hard work, determination, and God's guidance.