As my illness seems to be finally drawing to a close, I cannot help but feel thankful for the blessing of antibiotics, as well as the man who developed the first one, Mr. Alexander Fleming. While serving as a bacteriologist during World War I, Fleming discovered that antiseptics, the prevalent method for treating battle wounds at the time, were inflicting more deaths than the battle wounds themselves! Fleming thus set out to solve this problem by developing a safe, effective method for disinfection.

After the war ended, Fleming assumed the role of Assistant Director of Inoculation at St. Mary’s Medical Hospital. Ironically, Fleming made his first great contribution to immune system research while he himself was sick. In 1921, he applied his own mucus to a culture of bacteria, leading to the destruction of the culture. Fleming had thus discovered lysozyme, effective in killing mild bacteria. More deadly bacteria, however, were resistant to this enzyme. Therefore, Fleming continued his endeavor to combat human infections. Seven years later, in 1928, Fleming noticed a bacteria-killing mold growing on a dish of Staphylococcus aureus, which he had left out while away from the lab on a family vacation. With this deadly “mold juice,” which he termed “penicillin,” Fleming had discovered the world’s first antibiotic.

In order to make penicillin available for medicinal use, Fleming needed to isolate and purify the antibiotic. Recognizing the magnitude of this task, he solicited the aid of two researchers, yet their attempts remained futile. The three men thus handed off the task to scientists at the University of Oxford. The world was soon able to reap the benefits of a pure penicillin, particularly during World War II; the antibiotic saved thousands of lives by disinfecting battle wounds. Penicillin, first synthesized in the lab in the 1950s, continues to combat infections such as pneumonia, syphilis, and meningitis, as well as heal burns. Through the problem solving involved in discovering, purifying, and synthesizing penicillin, Fleming and his predecessors left an indelible impact on the field of medicine and the health of humanity.

My own tonsillar infection has forced me to solve problems throughout the past two months. This infection rendered me bed-ridden for the second half of my summer. The pain of missing out on my final summer with friends nearly matched the pain of the illness itself. However, the silver lining to this situation eventually became clear. I began to cherish my time with my family — time that now remains elusive. Once my infection was no longer contagious — thanks to (you guessed it!) an antibiotic — we watched movies together, competed in board games, and planned for my transition to college. Though I could not attend our annual family vacation, several relatives, as well as friends, visited me, ensuring that I never felt lonely. Gradually, my tonsils healed and I regained strength. Upon arriving at Penn State, I was not yet fully restored to health, yet I did feel well enough to participate in orientation and survive my long walks to and from classes. Now, I have even returned to running. As I’ve coped with my sickness, I’ve realized that life won’t always go according to plan. Unexpected situations have arisen each day, forcing me to adapt to new problems and to devise creative solutions to them. Because of the time I’ve spent with my family, I feel empowered to conquer any obstacle I now face without them by my side. I find it quite fitting that Fleming discovered penicillin after returning from a family vacation, for spending time with family has likewise empowered me to solve the problems I face in my life.