Chen-Lu Zhao

Yesterday was one of those days that left me reflecting deeply. It started like any other day in the life of a medical student here in Shanghai, China, with an early morning lecture on anatomy. The real highlight, though, was our practical session in the cadaver lab. Stepping into that cold, sterile room, I felt the familiar mix of curiosity and apprehension. Even though I'm 21 now, the initial shock of studying a cadaver hasn’t completely faded.

Today, we were assigned to dissect the thoracic cavity. As I carefully made the incisions and exposed the heart and lungs, I couldn’t help but marvel at the intricate design of the human body. Everything I had studied in books was right in front of me, tangible and real. It's fascinating how all humans are structured the same way internally, despite our external differences.

During a break, I chatted with my friend Mei about how surreal this experience can be. She nodded, echoing my thoughts. “It’s kind of beautiful, isn’t it? To see firsthand how alike we all are.” I agreed. Our professor's words about our internal similarities resonated deeply.

As the session ended and we packed up, I felt a profound sense of connection—not just to the cadaver in front of me, but to everyone I’ve ever known and will know. Walking out of the lab, the busy streets of Shanghai felt a bit different. The city, bustling with life and diversity, seemed to underscore this unity even more.

Every person I passed, whether rushing to work or leisurely strolling, carried the same organs, the same intricate systems. Despite our superficial differences, the core of our being is shared. Today, I felt a deeper understanding of what it means to be human, realizing that underneath it all, we are all remarkably similar.