Why A Neurosurgeon Earned My Respect - An Open Letter To Dr. Ben Carson

If you have been paying attention to the news, you would see that Dr. Ben Carson, a successful and well-known neurosurgeon, is running for President. Some would say that a doctor simply isn't capable of running for President, but I disagree. Just because a man isn't a politician does not mean he isn't capable of leading our country. To be a doctor, you have to be extremely intelligent. Not everyone is cut out for the endless hours of studying that you to put in to become one. Ben Carson is a smart man, and he knows a lot. I highly recommend everyone to read his book Gifted Hands. There was also a movie made too with the same title, and I truly enjoyed it. It's his entire story told through his eyes, from growing up poor in Detroit with his mother and brother, to overcoming the odds and becoming a neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

If you have never taken the time to read up on Ben, I suggest you do so. I get asked frequently why I love and support him so much, and the answer is simple. I'm drawn to him. His story is so profound and moving. He is living proof of what God can do for us--make us into something great. I've watched several videos of speeches he's given, and I can recall the first speech he ever gave that I watched. It was at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2013. I don't know a lot about politics, and I have never had an interest in politics. But watching his speech, I found myself enjoying it and even understanding what he was saying. It just made sense, and it sparked an interest in me. His views on education made me question the way I looked at it. I've always thought of school as a prison, and I wondered why it was so necessary. Ben strongly believes education is essential, and now I'm slowly understanding why. Especially hearing about his mother pushing Ben and his brother to make better grades, and how it effected their lives today. Everything about his story needs to be heard.

People seem to grow tired of me talking about him so much, and I apologize to everyone who gets tired. I firmly believe Ben is what America needs. When you're passionate about something, you tend to talk about it a lot. I know he has what it takes to lead us. 

Now, a personal letter to Ben:

Dear Ben,

I'm writing this letter to you because I fear that whenever I meet you, I will not have time to tell you all the things I wish to say. I know you will be on a time limit, as you have another book signing to attend in Springfield immediately following the Joplin signing. My hope is that I will have the chance to give you a copy of this post so you can read it and know everything that I have to say to you. 

I first heard about you from a man named Occeeh. This man grew up with nothing in Nigeria, and he was inspired by you, because he could relate to some of your struggles. He then decided to become a doctor and come to America. I know you've met this man before, and the thought of that makes me so happy. When I found out you were running for President, I was intrigued. I started researching you more, finding speeches you had given in the past. It led me to believe that you were exactly what we've all been waiting for.

Your story has impacted me in ways I can't explain. You make me want to be better. I want to know more and do more because of the way you live your life. I can just tell you are genuine and true, a kind of man that will be sincere and care for the people of this country. I would feel safe if you were our President, and I think God is using you to bring hope to this world that has lost its way. 

I sincerely hope you win this election. I hope America gives you a chance to show everything you can do for us. I will not be able to vote, because I will not have yet reached eighteen during election time. However, I will continue to support you no matter what. I believe in you, and I believe in what you are doing. You are a successful man with a strong faith. Don't let anyone who is against you take that from you. Continue to stand strong in what you believe, you are inspiring so many. I know the amount of criticism and hate you get, and I respect how you don't let it get to you. 

I pray for you continuously, and I can't wait to meet you. Good luck, Dr. Ben Carson. You will always have my support. I'm proud of what you're doing, and I know God is too. Remember these verses: Romans 8:31 and Philippians 4:13. 

With much love,

Jessalyn Ulrich