So this past week has been amazing! Where to start? Well my clinical exams are over and they went well. I mentioned by physical exam assessment but after that I also had my clinical history assessment too. Basically we went in to our own little "offices" and was greeted by a professor and an 2nd semester student posing as an actor to be our patient. Everyone had a different case and our task was to take a thorough history and give our differential diagnosis. Mine went very well. My patient had a tension headache accompanied by GI problems due to his overuse of aspirin. Really the diagnosis isn't the hard part to get, but in taking a history you have to be sure to hit all of the right questions and rule out any other possibility. For instance, this headache could have been a multitude of things: migrane, cluster headaches, from high blood pressure, stress, etc - which you must ask about all of those through their possible symptoms. For his GI problems, one must ask: medications the patient is on, drug use, sexual history, stool characteristics, family history of cancers - and so on...
As far as my patient, I nailed it. My professor said that I did a very good job and would receive a grade in the 90s. So that made me very happy. She even used the actors opinion in my grade and he said how comfortable he was with me and how I seemed to come across as being genuine and very thorough. So that is another test down. Next was my paper... Again, things went well - it is not graded as of yet but I did ask for one of the 4th semester ICM professors to revise it and I believe that really helped smooth it all out - I am definitely feeling confident about that.
As for now, it is all studying (which after writing this blog I am going to start on) but some BIG news. Our newly hired Dean of Clinical Medicine came down to Dominica, introduced himself to us and allowed us to ask as many questions as we wanted. As most students were all eager to ask about their own individual states and what new things are happening, of course I asked about Michigan. So many lies, exaggerations and rumors are on ValueMD lately that it was great to hear someone first hand. So basically I wanted to know if there were any developments in Michigan rotations. I found out many things - all good. Seems like it shouldn't be too bad to get rotations to stay home (provided the timing works out) but then he said something amazing. While nothing is yet signed, there is a contract out in Michigan pending to begin a 5th semester in Michigan! "That's nice", I thought. Probably wouldn't happen for a year or two. He gave details about it and within the next couple months he was hoping that it would be final and that this January it would begin. Not to sound too wimpy but when he said that my jaw dropped and my eyes began to well-up. This January??? Are you kidding me?! What this means is that I may possibly leave Dominica this December and be home in Michigan for good! No Miami!!!! Of course, as Tony is trying to tell me, to not get my hopes up too much - and boy and I trying - but WOW! This would be an amazing end to my time away from home.
Even that doesn't end my good news. After all of this we had our SGA elections (Student Government Association), where I was running for Honor Council President. This was such a fiasco because we had complaints about how it was happening and after the elections were over we had to throw them all out and start over! I was so bummed. All my work to get people to go out and vote for me, ruined. BUT, elections were held yet again and to my surprise I won by a huge margin with 208 votes! I was SO happy - so after 3 semesters of being a representative - I have finally moved up to being President - and it is a good feeling. We are a pretty active council and I am excited to be in charge of it! So much will be on my plate next semester but most of what I am in charge of is running like a well-oiled machine, so I think I will be able to handle it.
Finally, we come to today. All I wanted to do was "close" all clubs for the semester - just be done!!! So, I needed to get all of our banking done to get our donations ready and let that be the end. OLAS was able to donate to two causes in Dominica - totaling about $4,000EC! RFDH was able to put in our 2nd wire-transfer for our medical equiptment for a total of about $9,000EC! Hopefully, all of it will get here by the time we get back so we may bring it to the hospital but - wow - I mean it isn't everyday that you get the privilege of donating nearly $13,000EC in one day!
Overall, I am so very pleased with how this past week has gone. But I can't forget about my studies! Still TONS to do - so I am going to go get started!!!! I hope that this past week is a good omen for the next two weeks of exams!!!!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOG!!!
Wow, I can't believe it has been a year since my first post! I have great news to post later on - many great things have happened over the past couple days - so I will try to write about it all soon! I just couldn't let the day pass without telling my blog...
HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY!!! :D
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Getting through this with Him by my side...
Another rainy day here in Dominica and studying in my aparment for a change. As things are drawing closer to an end I am finding a little more flexibility in studying. Just seems like there is more time but I hope I am just going to still use it wisely. Getting a little nervous for my exam tomorrow because I really want to nail it and don't want to get nervous like I did before. So, I studied a bit today and will still do that a little here and there but I really just want to prepare for tomorrow. So I am going to work on that and start organizing for my final exam in a few weeks :) Just do little things that aren't hardcore studying but still get some work done at the same time.
Though all of this though - since I have been here and especially this semester though - I have had to rely on such a higher power helping me out along the way. While I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel for the semester, I can't help but think about this whole semester and how I have gotten through it. I had prayed here and there before but it has become such a second nature here to do that just because I feel like I need Him and Mary now more than ever. This semester has been the hardest yet here mentally and without having prayer I don't think I would have made it through, at least as well as I think I will do.
His "divine intervention" into my life isn't just in how I feel inside but how much I know that it's done though the people in my life too. I could never be here and make it through all this without everyone at home pushing me on and just simply telling me that everything will be alright and that they will love me no matter what happens. Sounds silly, but really you forget that "hey - they actually WILL love me no matter what" - and things then don't seem so horrible. Being in such a remote area you forget so many obvious things like that - and especially that you are not alone. Sure there are tons of people here doing the same thing and truly the island is not a bad place to live at all - but as anyone would say - it's not home.
I find myself turning on someone like Joel Osteen just to watch one of his sermons sometimes (that guy is so great!) and just taking time for myself at the gym or something to bring me back to "center", because it is so easy to lose that. I am so close to coming home again and to look back on all I have done here makes me realize how much I have grown and how the things that I am most looking forward to in life and getting so much closer - like moving home, starting rotations, enjoying the new house, getting engaged - and gasp - becoming a doctor! Hard to believe that a year ago I still was at home waiting to leave for the island, but here I am now only about 4.5 months away from leaving here with two years deep in my medical education! It's a crazy feeling like it almost isn't real.
I just thank God for so much that I can even begin to write about but have to admit that because of Him and his blessing in my life like my family and friends I will finish these last few months here strong and make this Christmas definitely a "Merry" one! :) Aaaaamen! ;)
Though all of this though - since I have been here and especially this semester though - I have had to rely on such a higher power helping me out along the way. While I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel for the semester, I can't help but think about this whole semester and how I have gotten through it. I had prayed here and there before but it has become such a second nature here to do that just because I feel like I need Him and Mary now more than ever. This semester has been the hardest yet here mentally and without having prayer I don't think I would have made it through, at least as well as I think I will do.
His "divine intervention" into my life isn't just in how I feel inside but how much I know that it's done though the people in my life too. I could never be here and make it through all this without everyone at home pushing me on and just simply telling me that everything will be alright and that they will love me no matter what happens. Sounds silly, but really you forget that "hey - they actually WILL love me no matter what" - and things then don't seem so horrible. Being in such a remote area you forget so many obvious things like that - and especially that you are not alone. Sure there are tons of people here doing the same thing and truly the island is not a bad place to live at all - but as anyone would say - it's not home.
I find myself turning on someone like Joel Osteen just to watch one of his sermons sometimes (that guy is so great!) and just taking time for myself at the gym or something to bring me back to "center", because it is so easy to lose that. I am so close to coming home again and to look back on all I have done here makes me realize how much I have grown and how the things that I am most looking forward to in life and getting so much closer - like moving home, starting rotations, enjoying the new house, getting engaged - and gasp - becoming a doctor! Hard to believe that a year ago I still was at home waiting to leave for the island, but here I am now only about 4.5 months away from leaving here with two years deep in my medical education! It's a crazy feeling like it almost isn't real.
I just thank God for so much that I can even begin to write about but have to admit that because of Him and his blessing in my life like my family and friends I will finish these last few months here strong and make this Christmas definitely a "Merry" one! :) Aaaaamen! ;)
Monday, July 23, 2007
Another taste of clinicals...
Well my birthday was a great time. Matt took me out to eat but when going into our little restaurant here - 5 or 6 of my friends just popped out to surprise me! I knew something was up! Haha. It was so nice though, there was a cake, decorated table and everything. It was so sweet of all of them so thank you so much!!!
Studying is sluggish but picking up. Today was our last day of clinic - so our group was up! We went to Vielle-Case Clinic where we met with our patient to take his history. This time it was actually a real one. I wish I could have gotten him all to myself, but there were limited patients so we had 3 people in the room, myself with another guy and girl. So we alternated taking the interview but - wow - did he have quite some story! If you ever have visited Dominica (because I am sure soooo many of you have lol) or have read my early on posts from last year, driving here is... there really isn't any words - it's just insane. Speeding, driving on the edge of cliffs, cutting SO close to people walking on the side of the road and animals - it can really freak you out, not to mention what it does to your stomach... ugh... Anyway, our taxis here are called "transports" and M.L. (funny how the initials are the same from my other interview, haha, but this was a guy) got caught in the door and was dragged THROUGH GLASS along with the transport! This happened years ago but with all of the injuries he sustained he ended up having a plate put in his leg. All in all, he ended up having the plate taken out but after the stiches were removed he started to develop a wound infection.
It was the most interesting case I have seen so far here in Dominica and I felt so bummed that I started my paper on my other case because this would be a great case-writeup! But after we were all done we thanked him and headed back to Portsmouth to present to the attending (supervising physician). It was quite intimidating talking our patient up to him. He was kind, but was pretty demanding. This is something we will all have to get used to but I couldn't help think he was looking at us like we were the dumbest people ever! Before I continue on that note, the other girl in our group really got on my nerves. While she was quite thorough in her part of the interview, she wasted SO much time. After the patient would tell us part of his story, she would go all the way back to the beginning and confirm. Of course, you do not want to miss anything but with the limited time we were given and expected to perform a complete history (which can be a lengthy process) it was hard to keep the flow going. She would constantly cut both myself and the other guy in the group off but moreso in presenting the patient. When I would begin talking she would cut me off and just go on like she did everything. Nothing but "I" statements. "I asked him" this... or "I wanted to rule out" that... It was so obnoxious and with her cutting me off I couldn't help but give a little glare in her direction. I could tell the physician saw my frustration with being cut off and when she would get frazzled or go too fast she would finally shutup and then I would just continue on. It really killed the flow and that disappointed me. We are supposed to be a team here and she just - well - I'm not sure what she was trying to accomplish. There really wasn't a grade for this, more for practice. I can't be 100% about this but her tag on her ID had a 4th semester color so she might have been a repeat-3rd semester that has done this before but just wanted to seem like she was "all that" and a bag of chips... Who knows. After that, I went to the gym and worked that all off my mind.
It was a great experience though and I look forward to more! He had us go through our whole case, making sure we missed nothing and even went as far as to us giving our DD (differential diagnosis)! It was actually pretty fun and in that short morning, I really learned alot. I'm not so worried about being criticized (positive or negative) by the attendings. That will be my life for many years to come and I can't let it get to me and consume me. They all have their preferences of how they want cases presented and if you can just feel them out and able to be flexible in that sense - I think it makes for a less stressful time and a more enjoyable experience.
As for now, I am back at my apartment after a wonderful nap and studying! Classes are basically over. Just a few hours here and there but they are officially over I believe Monday. Before that though I have my oral exam this Thursday then nothing but paper-exams after that! So - on that note - time to kick it into gear! Where's my energy drink??? :)
Studying is sluggish but picking up. Today was our last day of clinic - so our group was up! We went to Vielle-Case Clinic where we met with our patient to take his history. This time it was actually a real one. I wish I could have gotten him all to myself, but there were limited patients so we had 3 people in the room, myself with another guy and girl. So we alternated taking the interview but - wow - did he have quite some story! If you ever have visited Dominica (because I am sure soooo many of you have lol) or have read my early on posts from last year, driving here is... there really isn't any words - it's just insane. Speeding, driving on the edge of cliffs, cutting SO close to people walking on the side of the road and animals - it can really freak you out, not to mention what it does to your stomach... ugh... Anyway, our taxis here are called "transports" and M.L. (funny how the initials are the same from my other interview, haha, but this was a guy) got caught in the door and was dragged THROUGH GLASS along with the transport! This happened years ago but with all of the injuries he sustained he ended up having a plate put in his leg. All in all, he ended up having the plate taken out but after the stiches were removed he started to develop a wound infection.
It was the most interesting case I have seen so far here in Dominica and I felt so bummed that I started my paper on my other case because this would be a great case-writeup! But after we were all done we thanked him and headed back to Portsmouth to present to the attending (supervising physician). It was quite intimidating talking our patient up to him. He was kind, but was pretty demanding. This is something we will all have to get used to but I couldn't help think he was looking at us like we were the dumbest people ever! Before I continue on that note, the other girl in our group really got on my nerves. While she was quite thorough in her part of the interview, she wasted SO much time. After the patient would tell us part of his story, she would go all the way back to the beginning and confirm. Of course, you do not want to miss anything but with the limited time we were given and expected to perform a complete history (which can be a lengthy process) it was hard to keep the flow going. She would constantly cut both myself and the other guy in the group off but moreso in presenting the patient. When I would begin talking she would cut me off and just go on like she did everything. Nothing but "I" statements. "I asked him" this... or "I wanted to rule out" that... It was so obnoxious and with her cutting me off I couldn't help but give a little glare in her direction. I could tell the physician saw my frustration with being cut off and when she would get frazzled or go too fast she would finally shutup and then I would just continue on. It really killed the flow and that disappointed me. We are supposed to be a team here and she just - well - I'm not sure what she was trying to accomplish. There really wasn't a grade for this, more for practice. I can't be 100% about this but her tag on her ID had a 4th semester color so she might have been a repeat-3rd semester that has done this before but just wanted to seem like she was "all that" and a bag of chips... Who knows. After that, I went to the gym and worked that all off my mind.
It was a great experience though and I look forward to more! He had us go through our whole case, making sure we missed nothing and even went as far as to us giving our DD (differential diagnosis)! It was actually pretty fun and in that short morning, I really learned alot. I'm not so worried about being criticized (positive or negative) by the attendings. That will be my life for many years to come and I can't let it get to me and consume me. They all have their preferences of how they want cases presented and if you can just feel them out and able to be flexible in that sense - I think it makes for a less stressful time and a more enjoyable experience.
As for now, I am back at my apartment after a wonderful nap and studying! Classes are basically over. Just a few hours here and there but they are officially over I believe Monday. Before that though I have my oral exam this Thursday then nothing but paper-exams after that! So - on that note - time to kick it into gear! Where's my energy drink??? :)
Friday, July 20, 2007
Time for some fun...
Well Tony made me promise something - that I would have some fun tonight for myself. I agreed without hearing what I was promising to, because heck - I'd do anything for him! That was a bit of trickery! But I promised so I guess it's about time for some fun.
He's so sweet. The day started off bummish because all I want to do is be home with all of you. But everyone here has been so nice and wishing me "happy birthday" all day long, leaving messages on facebook, etc... It's helping. I figure if I don't let myself have some time to myself - especially on my birthday I will regret it. I don't want to have all "what I missed because of the island" thoughts, so tonight will be a nice time (hopefully not too crazy) of memories I will have and miss from here.
Well, sorry for the shortness but it is time to go for the semesteral powderpuff game, then Matt wants to take me out to eat (n' what not) so sweet and hopefully meeting up with Sana after... Something tells me that somethin' is up... but I'm just happy to spend time with my favorite people here - hopefully I'll see some people at Fusion tonight and be able to live in the moment and forget about everything ahead of me (studying, studying annnnd studying)... Happy Birthday to meeeeee!
He's so sweet. The day started off bummish because all I want to do is be home with all of you. But everyone here has been so nice and wishing me "happy birthday" all day long, leaving messages on facebook, etc... It's helping. I figure if I don't let myself have some time to myself - especially on my birthday I will regret it. I don't want to have all "what I missed because of the island" thoughts, so tonight will be a nice time (hopefully not too crazy) of memories I will have and miss from here.
Well, sorry for the shortness but it is time to go for the semesteral powderpuff game, then Matt wants to take me out to eat (n' what not) so sweet and hopefully meeting up with Sana after... Something tells me that somethin' is up... but I'm just happy to spend time with my favorite people here - hopefully I'll see some people at Fusion tonight and be able to live in the moment and forget about everything ahead of me (studying, studying annnnd studying)... Happy Birthday to meeeeee!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Goodbye 22, hellloooo 23!
I can't believe I am going to be 23 years old. I really don't want to be lol. Sure, it is still young but wow, 23! I remember my 16th like it was yesterday my 19th, my 21st! Goodness. Thinking about it though and I honestly don't think I could have crammed much more into my 22 years so far on this Earth lol. Even now I am trying go to through everything I wanted to accomplish by now and I am right on schedule, haha! That is a great feeling inside just to know that you are so happy with your life and love it just the way that it is.
I wish I was home to celebrate it but it's okay. It will just make me appreciate my 24th even more (eww). But at least I did get a nice party when I went home (Tony threw me a surprise birthday party!!!)! It was so soooo sweet and I never thought I would be so lucky to have someone that would go to so much trouble just for me. I thought it was a Father's Day BBQ but then I slowly started hearing "Happy Birthdays!" (I thought they were just wishing it to me because they knew I'd be gone), seeing a couple cards and a cake with a pink flower on it (hey, a cake with pink flowers totally says "Happy Father's Day" lol). But then Tony brought me inside and right like family tradition I got to sit in "the circle" lol.
The circle is where the birthday guy/girl has to sit in the middle of the whole family while they all sing "Happy Birthday" to you but it's not such a nice musical tune lol. They just all sporatically yell/scream whatever part of the song and random words - and all you can do is turn beet-red and laugh! Even though I did a bit before, I really felt like I was part of the family after that day... I was there for a couple birthdays and saw them doing it to them and I thought that it would be so fun to be part of that someday! Well, I definitely got a taste of it! It was the best thing ever.
Sigh, well back to reality here in Dominica lol, jk. It's those kind of memories I will remember forever and I'm so blessed to have Tony's family in my life - they are such an amazing family! Well, as for now I have alot of studying to do - so much that I feel a bit guilty to go out tomorrow but I will! I can't be so deluded as to skip my own birthday... Not lookin' to be some kinda martyr here. Soooo I should probably get to it.
Just a special shoutout to my family, to thank them for putting up with me for these 22 years and to my Mom for having such a great kid! jk!!!) ... Love you with all my heart!
I wish I was home to celebrate it but it's okay. It will just make me appreciate my 24th even more (eww). But at least I did get a nice party when I went home (Tony threw me a surprise birthday party!!!)! It was so soooo sweet and I never thought I would be so lucky to have someone that would go to so much trouble just for me. I thought it was a Father's Day BBQ but then I slowly started hearing "Happy Birthdays!" (I thought they were just wishing it to me because they knew I'd be gone), seeing a couple cards and a cake with a pink flower on it (hey, a cake with pink flowers totally says "Happy Father's Day" lol). But then Tony brought me inside and right like family tradition I got to sit in "the circle" lol.
The circle is where the birthday guy/girl has to sit in the middle of the whole family while they all sing "Happy Birthday" to you but it's not such a nice musical tune lol. They just all sporatically yell/scream whatever part of the song and random words - and all you can do is turn beet-red and laugh! Even though I did a bit before, I really felt like I was part of the family after that day... I was there for a couple birthdays and saw them doing it to them and I thought that it would be so fun to be part of that someday! Well, I definitely got a taste of it! It was the best thing ever.
Sigh, well back to reality here in Dominica lol, jk. It's those kind of memories I will remember forever and I'm so blessed to have Tony's family in my life - they are such an amazing family! Well, as for now I have alot of studying to do - so much that I feel a bit guilty to go out tomorrow but I will! I can't be so deluded as to skip my own birthday... Not lookin' to be some kinda martyr here. Soooo I should probably get to it.
Just a special shoutout to my family, to thank them for putting up with me for these 22 years and to my Mom for having such a great kid! jk!!!) ... Love you with all my heart!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Homestretch #3!
ICM physical exam assessment is over! Finally feel like we are getting the ball rollin' to wrap up semester 3. Thank goodness. I got an A, but got a couple points off for how my technique took a long time - yada yada - I didn't make any "real" mistakes - yada, yada - I got an A so whatever lol. After, I had our LAST behavioral lab of the semester (which was the best of them all!) where we got to practice for our patient history oral exam we have next week. I feel much better about this and much less nervous.
Nerves, lol. Yeah, that is a funny thing. As comfortable as I thought I would be the adrenaline really hindered my flow today. But live and learn. I feel so much better and oddly feel more like I have taken huge steps this semester to becoming a physician. It looks so easy to do things like we are tested on but it really takes alot of out of you!!! I'm also really getting better at worrying about myself and not other people and how well they did on exams/assessments. To me I always felt like I had to be the best at everything, an impossible feat where it leads to CONSTANT disappointment in myself. I still do this sometimes but I get over it more easily. I never want to fully let that go because I think a little disappointment/let downs have lead me to push myself harder. But over the past while I have learned it is about doing your best at everything and learning how to pick yourself up after a disappointment. It's all about how you rise after you fall and boy - I have fallen more times than I can count. But I have never given up and have always pushed myself harder.
I can see my personality changing alot since I have been here. I even told my Mom that I look at pictures of myself from last year and I don't really feel like the same person at all. I've grown so much and feel like such a better person just being here - putting aside all of the med school pride lol. I really feel that nothing will ever compare to this experience and whenever something seems so hard just think about my time here and everything I have had to overcome mentally, physically and especially emotionally.
What a ride. But at least it is almost over - at least this semester. As for now, I am looking forward to Friday! It's my 23rd birthday, which of course I wish I was home for, but after class it will be an afternoon/night to relax and party! So excited!
One thing at a time I guess here. I still have so much to learn, not just here in med school but about myself as well and what more I am capable of... I have a feeling it is alot and much more than I have been giving myself credit for...
Nerves, lol. Yeah, that is a funny thing. As comfortable as I thought I would be the adrenaline really hindered my flow today. But live and learn. I feel so much better and oddly feel more like I have taken huge steps this semester to becoming a physician. It looks so easy to do things like we are tested on but it really takes alot of out of you!!! I'm also really getting better at worrying about myself and not other people and how well they did on exams/assessments. To me I always felt like I had to be the best at everything, an impossible feat where it leads to CONSTANT disappointment in myself. I still do this sometimes but I get over it more easily. I never want to fully let that go because I think a little disappointment/let downs have lead me to push myself harder. But over the past while I have learned it is about doing your best at everything and learning how to pick yourself up after a disappointment. It's all about how you rise after you fall and boy - I have fallen more times than I can count. But I have never given up and have always pushed myself harder.
I can see my personality changing alot since I have been here. I even told my Mom that I look at pictures of myself from last year and I don't really feel like the same person at all. I've grown so much and feel like such a better person just being here - putting aside all of the med school pride lol. I really feel that nothing will ever compare to this experience and whenever something seems so hard just think about my time here and everything I have had to overcome mentally, physically and especially emotionally.
What a ride. But at least it is almost over - at least this semester. As for now, I am looking forward to Friday! It's my 23rd birthday, which of course I wish I was home for, but after class it will be an afternoon/night to relax and party! So excited!
One thing at a time I guess here. I still have so much to learn, not just here in med school but about myself as well and what more I am capable of... I have a feeling it is alot and much more than I have been giving myself credit for...
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Last full week ahead!
Finally it is time for our last full week of classes! First up? My ICM physical exam assessment. Woops, I accidentally thought I had this next week but nope - Monday! It's okay I have been working on it for a few days and I will be ready. There are 9 objectives that they can ask us about, ranging from - cardiovascular examination, pulses, respiratory exam, general assessment, etc.
But yeah, after this week classes wind down we will still "officially" have class for another week and a half but with our oral exams and what not they are very short days indeed.
Otherwise, as far as myself goes - I am doing a little better. I am seeing the end coming and I am so ready. My mini 2 scores came back. Again, I didn't fail anything which is great so I am not in the doghouse for any classes as of now but I still wish I did better. Still alot of exams to go so it should be just fine. 32 days and counting. This semester has just taken such a toll on me but I just know it will be worth it. At least I have my birthday to look forward to on the 20th! I will let myself have Friday afternoon/night off from studying (but I still have 6 hours of class that day)... Ah well but after that - I'ma going OUT! Come on, it's my birthday! I'm not that mean to myself... am I? Hahaha.
This weekend I am trying out typing out my notes to more concise and organized pages because some of the teachers I have now - their powerpoints are so lacking in that. So with that, I better get back to it - alot more to go... Luckily, after my exam Monday morning I have all day to work on it still (just one hour of class - woohoo!)
Okay, wish me luck world - it's only 7 minutes but 7 minutes I can't mess up! :)
But yeah, after this week classes wind down we will still "officially" have class for another week and a half but with our oral exams and what not they are very short days indeed.
Otherwise, as far as myself goes - I am doing a little better. I am seeing the end coming and I am so ready. My mini 2 scores came back. Again, I didn't fail anything which is great so I am not in the doghouse for any classes as of now but I still wish I did better. Still alot of exams to go so it should be just fine. 32 days and counting. This semester has just taken such a toll on me but I just know it will be worth it. At least I have my birthday to look forward to on the 20th! I will let myself have Friday afternoon/night off from studying (but I still have 6 hours of class that day)... Ah well but after that - I'ma going OUT! Come on, it's my birthday! I'm not that mean to myself... am I? Hahaha.
This weekend I am trying out typing out my notes to more concise and organized pages because some of the teachers I have now - their powerpoints are so lacking in that. So with that, I better get back to it - alot more to go... Luckily, after my exam Monday morning I have all day to work on it still (just one hour of class - woohoo!)
Okay, wish me luck world - it's only 7 minutes but 7 minutes I can't mess up! :)
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Pushing forward... alllllmost there!
This semester has been full of emotion, I have to admit. I have never been so excited, happy, stressed and drained in my whole life. I can slowly start to see the end coming of semester 3 though. While there are exams, papers and clinical exams ahead - it will come and go very fast. Tomorrow I will get my mini #2 exams back and I am as usual, worried. No matter what though I always have the drive to keep going but I am hoping for the best tomorrow. Good grades would really be a spirit-lifter for sure.
I have my clinic on Monday where I will be going to either a clinic or hospital to practice my patient histories on real patients. After which we present to the resident so he/she can critique us. I'm excited about it but haven't had much time lately to practice. Although, it is pretty second nature just have to work on timing I guess - I can chat a while lol.
Next week though is the last full week of classes and that will be nice. We are again getting slammed with work but it's almost done. Now that I think about it next Friday will be really nice because it will be the 20th - not just my birthday but 5 months till I get out of here, the end of the last full week of class and hopefully a nice night out (to ring in my 23rd year lol).
Things are slowly getting to be better but nothing will compare to stepping off that plane in Michigan. Well, onto more stuff - have a couple more hours of lecture to watch, then I am going to work on my case write-up and finally onto what has become my favorite pasttime - a good workout!
...gotta look good for when I go up north next month ;) !
I have my clinic on Monday where I will be going to either a clinic or hospital to practice my patient histories on real patients. After which we present to the resident so he/she can critique us. I'm excited about it but haven't had much time lately to practice. Although, it is pretty second nature just have to work on timing I guess - I can chat a while lol.
Next week though is the last full week of classes and that will be nice. We are again getting slammed with work but it's almost done. Now that I think about it next Friday will be really nice because it will be the 20th - not just my birthday but 5 months till I get out of here, the end of the last full week of class and hopefully a nice night out (to ring in my 23rd year lol).
Things are slowly getting to be better but nothing will compare to stepping off that plane in Michigan. Well, onto more stuff - have a couple more hours of lecture to watch, then I am going to work on my case write-up and finally onto what has become my favorite pasttime - a good workout!
...gotta look good for when I go up north next month ;) !
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Homesick...
Mini #2 is over. That's crazy. I don't know how it went but all I can do is hope for the best. Last night was such a bust, for me. There were a few things that led up to it but I just got so homesick and I cried and cried. I would have done anything to get home. Sana and I hung out at a place that really didn't make us comfortable, then trying to call home my phone says I am out of minutes - plus I hadn't slept since 30 hours prior. I just lost it. I don't even know why I try to go out anymore because when it comes down to it, I just think about home and all my friends that I miss. I get so homesick that I can't enjoy my time after a big exam.
So I ended up going back home to finish crying and just sleep but today I am waking up feeling the same way. The difference is now I have to start working again. I feel like I cheated myself of a good time by getting homesick, but what am I suppose to do? I'm not like alot of people here that love going out all the time and have a million friends. It is kinda hard to disregard how I feel about home. I don't know - my birthday is coming up next week and Sana wants to go out for that. I don't know how I feel about that. It's hard enough spending your 23rd birthday in a 3rd world country being away from everyone you know and love compared to being home and walking in your mom's house to see crepe paper, balloons and a little cake for the 23rd year in a row and it making you feel so special everytime. I think that will be kinda hard. Up there with these past couple weeks and last Thanksgiving which were really hard on me too.
Sorry if this is a bummish post but I just need to vent this off too. I know home is getting closer so that is good but I guess in the meantime I will just be homesick. At least you all know how much I miss you! I'm gonna get going but I will write again soon. Hopefully when I am feeling a bit better.
So I ended up going back home to finish crying and just sleep but today I am waking up feeling the same way. The difference is now I have to start working again. I feel like I cheated myself of a good time by getting homesick, but what am I suppose to do? I'm not like alot of people here that love going out all the time and have a million friends. It is kinda hard to disregard how I feel about home. I don't know - my birthday is coming up next week and Sana wants to go out for that. I don't know how I feel about that. It's hard enough spending your 23rd birthday in a 3rd world country being away from everyone you know and love compared to being home and walking in your mom's house to see crepe paper, balloons and a little cake for the 23rd year in a row and it making you feel so special everytime. I think that will be kinda hard. Up there with these past couple weeks and last Thanksgiving which were really hard on me too.
Sorry if this is a bummish post but I just need to vent this off too. I know home is getting closer so that is good but I guess in the meantime I will just be homesick. At least you all know how much I miss you! I'm gonna get going but I will write again soon. Hopefully when I am feeling a bit better.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Nothing without you... :)
Wow, never had to review so much in so short of time. I never got behind but it just seems like info isn't sticking with me. Well I am trying at least and in about 24 hours from now it will be over. Good, because I am getting burnt out if not already. I'll give it what I got and hope for the best!
I was staying up real late last night (till 6am) because I just wasn't tired, so at least I got alot of work done. But there was something that kept me going and it was all of you back home. I have been working from my desk the past week which is FILLED with pictures, cards, letters and drawings (thanks Anna *wink*) and it made me smile non-stop. I was so happy to think about "all I need to do is get though the next few months and I am back with all my loves".
I just hope you all know that even though I am out here doing all this work - I couldn't have done it without you all. Sounds corny but it is true. What do I do when I am at the end of my rope and start crying because I am yet again feeling overwhelmed? Read mom's cards or look at Anna's pictures! What do I do when I feel like I will never get off this island and feel in a slump? Read Tony's letters or look at pics of everyone in the t-town crew! I mean it when I say that I wouldn't be here without you guys behind me and I love you so much for that. So thank you for helping me live my dream!
Back to studying I guess if I wanna be outta of here in 39 days! Yay!
I was staying up real late last night (till 6am) because I just wasn't tired, so at least I got alot of work done. But there was something that kept me going and it was all of you back home. I have been working from my desk the past week which is FILLED with pictures, cards, letters and drawings (thanks Anna *wink*) and it made me smile non-stop. I was so happy to think about "all I need to do is get though the next few months and I am back with all my loves".
I just hope you all know that even though I am out here doing all this work - I couldn't have done it without you all. Sounds corny but it is true. What do I do when I am at the end of my rope and start crying because I am yet again feeling overwhelmed? Read mom's cards or look at Anna's pictures! What do I do when I feel like I will never get off this island and feel in a slump? Read Tony's letters or look at pics of everyone in the t-town crew! I mean it when I say that I wouldn't be here without you guys behind me and I love you so much for that. So thank you for helping me live my dream!
Back to studying I guess if I wanna be outta of here in 39 days! Yay!
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
The race is on...
Well, here I am - back again. I had such a great time visiting at home but had to get back and catch up on all my missed lectures and get ready for mini #2. I've been away from my blog - so what do you know - mini #2 is here!
It's been probably the hardest time so far on the island being here. Catching up only took me like two days so that wasn't bad at all. But just the adjustment back was harder on me. Not to mention studying for the mini has been insane. Over 100 drugs on this mini alone and while our mini is on Monday we still have over 10 hours of lecture left to go this week. Crazy. Oh well. Once this mini is over - we start going DOWNHILL - again for the 3rd time. I can't wait to get back home next month. The last semester break before my LAST semester in Dominica!
I finally have been able to do some things for myself now to keep my spirits better than before. I had my "shoe fiasco" where the store gave me 2 left shoes when I was home in May but I got that fixed so I have been able to go to the gym pretty much everyday! Ahhhhh so much better! I also made a nice Victoria's Secret order that I will get when I get home next month! New bathing suits! I haven't even touched water since I have been here (so sad I know) but Tony and I are going up north to his cabin for a few days and now I can look good while I am there! *wink*
But mostly I have been thinking about home more and more. I used to stop myself from doing it because it made me so sad since I missed it. But the stress this semester is unreal and I find that i have to think about being back in Michigan. I think alot of people in my class can see how irritated I am alot of the time but most agree that they feel the exact same way as I do. 43 days and it is the end of semester three - and then I will be nearly half way done with my second year of medical school!
So, with that said - I must go again... I'll be back though, alot sooner than last time! Miss everyone at home so much!!!!
P.S. I hate missing holidays and at the closing of yet another holiday away from home I hear popping outside - FiReWoRkS!!!!!! Just a about 20 little fireworks but put a smile on my face!
It's been probably the hardest time so far on the island being here. Catching up only took me like two days so that wasn't bad at all. But just the adjustment back was harder on me. Not to mention studying for the mini has been insane. Over 100 drugs on this mini alone and while our mini is on Monday we still have over 10 hours of lecture left to go this week. Crazy. Oh well. Once this mini is over - we start going DOWNHILL - again for the 3rd time. I can't wait to get back home next month. The last semester break before my LAST semester in Dominica!
I finally have been able to do some things for myself now to keep my spirits better than before. I had my "shoe fiasco" where the store gave me 2 left shoes when I was home in May but I got that fixed so I have been able to go to the gym pretty much everyday! Ahhhhh so much better! I also made a nice Victoria's Secret order that I will get when I get home next month! New bathing suits! I haven't even touched water since I have been here (so sad I know) but Tony and I are going up north to his cabin for a few days and now I can look good while I am there! *wink*
But mostly I have been thinking about home more and more. I used to stop myself from doing it because it made me so sad since I missed it. But the stress this semester is unreal and I find that i have to think about being back in Michigan. I think alot of people in my class can see how irritated I am alot of the time but most agree that they feel the exact same way as I do. 43 days and it is the end of semester three - and then I will be nearly half way done with my second year of medical school!
So, with that said - I must go again... I'll be back though, alot sooner than last time! Miss everyone at home so much!!!!
P.S. I hate missing holidays and at the closing of yet another holiday away from home I hear popping outside - FiReWoRkS!!!!!! Just a about 20 little fireworks but put a smile on my face!
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