Match Day!

Moment:

Friday, March 20th, 2026 at 10:38 AM

Student Affairs Dean: “This student performed Jump On It by Sir Mix-a-Lot at an international health science conference…Sunitha Konatham”

Mom: “I stopped recording when I heard ‘jump’ because when do you ever do that?”

After being split between our different campuses across Texas since our second year of medical school, our class finally reunited in College Station for Match Day. It was a full circle moment to be back together again, catching up in the same space where so much of this journey began, and reflecting on how far we have come since those first few weeks.

We were each introduced by a fun fact from our very first week of school, and some people were even asked to demonstrate theirs. As classmates showed off Rubik’s cube speed solving and double jointed tricks, I realized there was a real chance I might have to relive my Sir Mix-a-Lot moment.

Fortunately, instead of being surprised with an impromptu talent show, I got to walk to the stage with my walk-up song, “I Ain’t Worried” by OneRepublic, which I chose because I went to their concert during my first month after moving to the Round Rock campus, and it reminds me of that season of learning how to start over in a new place. The line about 1999 heroes feels especially fitting since I was born in 1999, and on Match Day, it became my quiet reminder not to overthink what the envelope would hold.

Names were called in random order, but my best friend Livia and I ended up being called up back to back. Even though we had to wait until the end to open our envelopes, it meant a lot to share that moment with her. We have studied together, stressed through exams, and supported each other through the highs and lows of medical school, so it felt right that we were side by side for this milestone too.

At the beginning of medical school, Livia was new to College Station, and I wanted to show her my favorite spot: a quiet balcony at the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building that has the perfect birds-eye view of campus. We brought a picnic, sat outside, and spent time in prayer, taking a pause before everything started moving so quickly.

That day, we read Isaiah 43.

This chapter was prayed over me by my grandfather at my baptism and has stayed with me through every major transition. He was a doctor who passed away when I was in middle school, and in medical school, I often wished he could see me carrying on his legacy. This scripture became a quiet way to feel connected to him during that season.

Starting medical school felt overwhelming at times, and the words, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine,” were especially grounding.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,” became a steady reminder during difficult stretches of that first year, when things felt uncertain or heavy.

“See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up, do you not perceive it,” helped shift our perspective, reminding us that even when we could not see the full picture, there was something meaningful unfolding.

This past Sunday night, just days before Match, we found ourselves in a similar place of uncertainty. The stakes felt higher, but the need for trust felt the same.

Livia said, “Let’s finish the way we started.”

So we read Isaiah 43 again.

This time, the words felt less like something we were hoping for and more like something we had already experienced. “You are precious and honored in my sight” reminded us that our worth is not tied to a result. “I am the Lord your God, your Savior” gave us a sense of peace going into Match Week, regardless of what Monday would bring.

We signed her Bible with the date and occasion, marking that full circle moment. That page is now both of our phone lock screens, a simple but constant reminder of God’s faithfulness through every step of this journey.

Five days later, standing in that auditorium with my envelope in hand, everything came together. The room was full of energy, excitement, and nerves, and it felt like time slowed for a moment as I opened my envelope. I matched at my number one choice: Baylor University Medical Center Family Medicine in Dallas. Relief, excitement, and gratitude hit all at once.

Matching at BUMC Family Medicine feels like a place where I can continue learning, take on real responsibilities with patients, and grow into the kind of family physician I want to be. I am excited to work with residents and faculty who challenge me, learning how to balance the day-to-day demands of patient care and build relationships with the people I will serve.

Being placed in this program was no accident. As Isaiah 43 reminds me, I am known, called, and guided every step of the way.