We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Simon Gak a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Simon, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?

One of the most intense moments I experienced was during my time as a scribe in the ER at Wilson Medical Center, when a patient arrived in full cardiac arrest. The room turned into what felt like organized chaos—nurses were grabbing supplies, the attending physician was shouting orders, and time seemed to both slow down and race ahead. My role, though not clinical, was critical. I had to capture everything—medication doses, procedural notes, time stamps—while staying completely focused.

In that moment, I learned the value of composure. Everyone in that room relied on each other to stay calm and work efficiently. The situation ended with the patient stabilized, and I remember walking out feeling a mix of exhaustion and pride. That experience taught me a lesson I carry to this day: no matter how high the stakes, staying calm and collected allows you to think clearly and contribute meaningfully. It’s a mindset I strive to bring into every aspect of my life, from academics to entrepreneurial ventures.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not know me, I’m Simon Gak, a Chemistry student at Binghamton University with an aspiration of becoming a physician. Medicine has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was captivated by its profound ability to heal and transform lives, a calling that has since become my life’s purpose. That early inspiration evolved into a genuine passion as I began immersing myself in the field. Witnessing the precise coordination required to manage patients gave me a firsthand understanding of how every team member plays a vital role in ensuring successful outcomes, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and attention to detail in high-stakes environments.

What drives me most about medicine is the opportunity to combine these elements to create meaningful change in people’s lives. In the ER, I saw how effective communication and timely intervention could not only save a life but also provide a sense of comfort and hope to patients and their families. That realization strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career where I can give back to the world by providing life-changing solutions and making a lasting impact on the lives of others.

In addition to my focus on medicine, I’ve pursued my interest in entrepreneurship by helping to develop Avrora Academy, an online, interactive community that empowers people to take control of their financial futures through education and mentorship. It is a space where members can build confidence, learn critical thinking skills, and apply real-world strategies that will serve them for life.

What sets Avrora Academy apart is the sense of community we foster. We guide our members step by step, from beginners just starting out to experienced investors looking to refine their skills. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the academy has helped people gain independence, achieve their financial goals, and unlock opportunities they never thought possible.

At the core of everything I do—whether it’s in medicine or entrepreneurship—is a commitment to making a difference. Medicine is my purpose, and through Avrora Academy, I’ve found another way to help people improve their lives.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Success in both medicine and entrepreneurship demands resilience, adaptability, and a strong focus on problem-solving. During my time as a scribe in the ER, I witnessed how physicians navigate high-pressure situations by thinking critically and adjusting to rapidly changing circumstances. This experience instilled in me the importance of remaining composed, assessing situations methodically, and collaborating effectively to achieve the best outcomes. It’s a mindset I carry into every endeavor, whether in patient care or leadership roles.

In entrepreneurship, especially with Avrora Academy, adaptability is just as critical. Building a platform for education and mentorship means staying attuned to the needs of our community and evolving with their growth. For example, we’ve faced challenges such as refining our teaching models or pivoting to meet our members’ changing goals. The ability to adapt our strategies, while staying focused on our mission, has been vital in creating a meaningful and effective learning environment.

Emotional intelligence is another important factor of success. In medicine, empathy and attentiveness are essential for understanding patients’ concerns and providing care that addresses both physical and emotional needs. In entrepreneurship, the same principles apply—building trust with our members at Avrora Academy is rooted in understanding their aspirations and guiding them to achieve their goals.

Ultimately, what ties these fields together for me is purpose. In medicine, my goal is to deliver care that improves lives at their most critical junctures. At Avrora Academy, my focus is on fostering independence and growth, helping individuals build the confidence to take charge of their development. Both paths require a commitment to empowering others—whether it’s through saving lives or creating opportunities—and that’s what continues to inspire me in both fields.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During the initial stages of Avrora Academy, the vision was clear: to build a community-driven platform that empowered individuals to grow, learn, and develop skills that extended far beyond trading and investing. However, translating that vision into reality was no small task. At the beginning, it was a modest concept—a simple idea among a small, dedicated team—but we saw the potential for something much greater. The challenge was transforming that potential into the vibrant, interactive community that Avrora Academy is today.

One of the most pivotal moments was recognizing that education alone wasn’t enough; people needed a deeper sense of connection, purpose, and growth. We realized that for Avrora Academy to thrive, it had to become more than just a platform—it had to be a space where members could not only learn but also feel empowered to explore their potential and support one another. That shift required us to rethink our structure, our approach, and our long-term goals.

To bring this vision to life, our team worked closely to create a mentorship framework, interactive sessions, and collaborative opportunities that emphasized personal and collective growth. We introduced features that encouraged members to engage with one another, share their progress, and celebrate milestones.

The transformation wasn’t immediate, but over time, we began to see the Academy evolve into something truly special. Members weren’t just learning—they were connecting, growing, and discovering new possibilities for themselves. Watching that shift unfold reaffirmed the purpose behind our work. The success of Avrora Academy today is the result of that resilience—the willingness to adapt, refine, and stay committed to a vision, even when the path forward wasn’t always clear.

This journey showed me that resilience isn’t just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about holding onto a belief in what’s possible and putting in the work to make it real. Seeing Avrora Academy transform into the community it is today has been a very fulfilling experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://avroraacademy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simon.gak/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-gak-096a06291/