Host Leslie Pagel interviews Terra Aguirre on Purpose Project’s season about living “to the beat of our own drum.” Terra, now 55 and in her third year of medical school, describes pursuing a childhood dream after years focused on family and work and a turning point at 50 as an empty nester. Encouraged by her husband, daughters, and a physician sister, she proved she could still succeed academically, studied for the MCAT, and entered medical school.—Three weeks before classes began she learned that she had early-stage breast cancer, which didn’t stop her. Terra shares challenges of being older among her peers, supportive reactions during rotations, her goal of family medicine in Indiana, core beliefs (dedication, service, gratitude, faith), relationship tradeoffs, and advice to prioritize health, prepare mentally, research the path, and go for it. Leslie reflects on shared themes of purpose, age not being a limitation, and the power of support systems.

00:00 Meet Terra Aguirre

01:18 Breaking Age Norms

01:53 Childhood Dream Deferred

02:54 Turning 50 Wake Up Call

06:52 Support System Says Go

07:33 Fear Doubt And Drive

09:56 Proving Herself Back In Class

13:24 Breast Cancer Before Day One

15:36 Finding Strength In Treatment

17:29 Fitting In With Younger Cohort

19:38 Third Year Reflections

20:29 Age Questions and Acceptance

22:35 Experience as an Advantage

24:04 Inspiring Others to Start

25:33 Core Beliefs and Gratitude

27:37 Relationships and Sacrifice

31:34 Advice for Late Careers

33:27 Self Care Turning Point

39:11 Host Reflection and Outro

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