What I Learned

Throughout his life, Charles Drew faced many obstacles and challenges. Drew was successful in overcoming most of his difficulties in his overall journey of becoming a successful doctor. Not only did Drew eventually become a doctor, but he also became a “blood bank innovator.” “By January 1941, the British had their own plasma program up and running. They no longer needed American plasma. But during the grim fall of 1940, Drew’s masterful leadership and expertise saved the lives of uncounted men, women, and children.” (11). Dr. Charles Drew’s method of developing an easier way to store blood and perform blood transfusions helped to save many lives during WWII. Drew’s ideas convinced many Americans to donate blood in order to help those in need in Britain. It displays the hard work he put into his project, which rescued many people in need. By the end of the war, with the help of Charles Drew, Britain developed the same system as the one in America to make efficient storage and blood transfusions. Though his biggest challenge was successful, some of the smaller trials he faced were not. After excelling in every aspect of high school, he attended Amherst College. “Drew dealt with racism at Amherst the way he would deal with it throughout his life. He made up his mind to excel in areas where race was not a barrier.” Racism in America during Drew’s lifetime was very harsh and often hindered his ability to be successful throughout his career. Throughout his medical career, Drew was turned down for many internships and residency opportunities because he was black. From one of my additional sources, it even claimed that rumors spread that Drew’s death was due to racism. Drew’s ability to conquer racial barriers and to save lives allows him to be considered a hero because he was courageous and successful in his efforts. Drew’s and my godmother’s journeys showed that becoming a successful physician is a struggle and takes determination and hard work.