Bull Shark
The Story of a Dropout Turned Doctor
We can’t count on much in life, but we can count on one thing: adversity. We all suffer setbacks in life, so it’s a matter of if, not when hard times will come our way. Ultimately, how we handle that suffering, misfortune, and adversity determines if we will find happiness and meaning in life.
Bull Shark, the story of a high-school dropout turned doctor, straddles the line between memoir and self-help as it tells a compelling life story all while it kicks its readers in the pants to get back up and stop being a victim. Through its story of a young delinquent from rural Eastern North Carolina who defied the odds and eventually found success, we learn that we are the only thing standing in our way from what we truly desire.
For far too many, the American family is a broken home plagued by drug use, physical abuse, and low socioeconomic status. Treated as outcasts by the larger society, these families stick out like a face tattoo. Bull Shark, however, reminds us that no matter what barriers or disadvantages we face, a come-hell-or-highwater mindset and a firm belief that we can accomplish anything will lead us where we want to go.
Bull Shark will show you that it’s not how many times you fall but how many times you get back up that matters. It is a testament that if you are willing to work hard and never give up, no walls are too high and no chains are unbreakable.
I am strong because I've been weak. I am fearless because I've been afraid. I am wise because I've been foolish”—Anonymous
Excerpt
A Fish Out of Water
When I started dental school, I was again out of my environment. I walked into class every day at about 7:30 a.m. The first couple of years were miserable because I was inside these classrooms all day. I remember sitting in class and looking out the windows at landscapers who were outside taking care of the school grounds and envying them, thinking that that was where I belonged. Spreading mulch and running a weed eater looked like home to me. I’d go home in the afternoon, swearing I was never coming back, and then my moral compass would steer me back to class the next day to repeat the process. It was torture. I wasn’t used to life indoors. I was used to life outside, working and thriving in the sun and fresh air. The outdoors had been my office, and dirt was the medium in which I dwelled.
I had a lot of fear too. I was in class next to these academic racehorses, and I wasn’t one of them. My past as a high school dropout made me feel even more like a misfit than when I was an undergrad, where you were just in class for a couple of hours and then could get away. Dental school was an all-day affair; plus, it was so formal. You even had to dress a certain way. And all I had ever used as an undergrad was a flip phone and a PC laptop. However, ECU’s dental school was one of the first schools to exclusively use Apple computers.
Reviews
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Bull Shark' and found it both eye-opening and inspiring. Dr. Ward’s story is a powerful reminder that a rough upbringing does not define your future or determine your worth. His journey proves that resilience, faith, and perseverance can break cycles and lead to something greater. His insights challenged me to reflect on my own experiences, and I recently had the chance to share some of his wisdom with someone facing similar struggles. This book is a testament to the fact that no matter where you come from, you have the power to rise above and create a better path forward.”
Jake Manning, Filmmaker and Creative Professional
"Bull Shark" is a true story of resilience, perseverance, and triumph. Brian’s journey from extreme adversity to success is nothing short of extraordinary- his upbringing and circumstances made his achievements seem statistically impossible. Yet, through sheer determination, he overcame every challenge life threw his way. His story is not just inspiring; it’s a testament to the power of grit, heart, and faith. As a parent of a special needs son, I found myself especially drawn to Brian’s experiences, feeling a strong connection to his struggles and victories. His journey is a reminder that obstacles can be overcome with persistence and belief.
Dominic Reisig, The Lucky Few, PhD
One could say that Dr. Brian Ward’s book, Bull Shark, is about two schools: the school of hard knocks, and regular school (in his case, college and dental school).
I’m guessing that most of Dr. Ward’s patients know little about the life he’s lived, the adventures he’s had, or the sacrifices he’s made to become a dentist who owns two successful dental practices.
Bull Shark, the story of his life and the lessons he’s learned, is an easy read because it takes you step by step through his life, from dropping out of high school to buying and selling mobile homes to graduating top of his class in dental school. And even though his hard-knock experiences are not always easy to read about, they are always compelling.
Bull Shark does Dr. Ward’s life justice and is worth your time, both for its life lessons and larger-than-life stories.
Jonathon Williams, The Ghost Writer
In Bullshark, Brian Ward takes readers on an inspiring and gritty journey through his life in eastern North Carolina, offering a raw and unflinching look at overcoming adversity. Ward’s memoir is not just a tale of personal triumph, but also a testament to the power of resilience and determination. One of the most compelling aspects of Bullshark is the metaphor of the bull shark itself. The bull shark, known for its ability to adapt and thrive in both fresh and saltwater, mirrors Ward’s own adaptability and determination to survive and succeed in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. This symbolism ties the entire narrative together, offering a powerful image of survival, strength and transformation. This book will resonate with anyone who has ever faced hardship or success and fulfillment. Bullshark will inspire those who need the reminder that change is possible, no matter the obstacles, the strength is within, you just have to find it.
Dianne S. Caprio, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University
Proceeds from the sale of Bull Shark will be donated to charity.
