First of all, it has been over a month since my last post. Needless to say, school has been keeping me busy. Thankfully, I was able to go home last week for a few days to see my family and some friends. It was good to be there, but I was glad to be back. More proof that this is where I'm supposed to be. Now to catch everyone up on what has been going on...
We have all heard it a hundred times (or more): You are your own worst critic. Well, it has certainly proved true for me. Many times I've thought that I may not be cut out for medical school, but no there is no more room for doubt.
My first Medical Gross Anatomy (MGA) written exam was August 20 and the first lab practical was the next Monday (August 23). I was really confident in the written exam and knew I performed well. The lab pracitcal, on the other hand, proved more of a challenge for me. Ironically, lab is what carried me through my first semester of Anatomy & Physiology at Guilford. Here, where we get to study cadavers, it is a completely different ballgame. I was in the lab multiple days every week trying to learn every aspect of the upper limb and chest...muscles, functions, attachments, nerve roots, nerves (including the brachial plexus), arteries, veins, x-rays, bones, models...you get the idea. Keep in mind we also have 12 cadavers, and all of them will be tagged on the lab practical; therefore, if you stay only on the cadaver your lab group is assigned, you will probably not do as well on the lab practical.
Well, God blessed the hours I put into studying. I made a pretty high A on the written exam and a mid-B on the lab practical. I was pleased, but wanted to do better on the lab practical.
The goal for the next exam: do just as well as I did on the first one.
The goal for the next lab practical: do as well on it as on the written.
Section 2 (lower limb) of lecture and lab were not as in depth as the first section. There is just not as much detail on the lower limb as there is on the upper limb, probably because it does not involve the brachial plexus. We were told this is the section to rack up points on the lab practical and written exam because exam 4 might kick our butts...
So the studying cycle began again. A little studying every day (even if only for half an hour). Attempting to get enough sleep every night. Go to lab as much as possible. Still leave time for yourself to wind down...and not stress out. (Pretty much, school is more than just learning curricula. It's learning how to successfully and healthily live life.) I finally got back into running, which is pretty exciting for me. And I made the 6-hour drive home to visit family and friends for a little over 4 full days. Then I returned to DCOM...and you know what happened...
More studying...
The second lab practical was last Friday (September 10), and I was well prepared for it. We don't have our scores back, but I believe I did better on it than on the first one.
We had our MGA written exam today...and I only missed one question!
*Do a little happy dance!* :)
It is pretty clear that I can do this. God has put me here for a reason, and He is continuing to help me and prove to me that I can do this. I will do this. I can't really explain how excited I am to be on this journey...and to be succeeding. God is so good. He deserves all the praise! That's what it boils down to.
Well, I have rambled some, but I wanted to share my experiences and excitement! Next thing on the list, Genetics exam on Wednesday! Let's do this!!
Oh...and some of my friends and I are participating in the Navy SEAL race on October 2. Basically, we get to run through lots of mud and go over and through obstacles. I'm so ready for that!! And a little over a month after that is MedWar. I'll explain what that is later (it includes more mud and obstacles, but it's medically related). Just in case I forget to explain MedWar, the website is www.medwar.org. Check it out!!
Now it's time for a shower and lunch, then I'm off to class!! Guess what I'm doing after that...
Studying. Yep. But I'm loving it.
"Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass."
Psalm 37:3-5
Monday, September 13, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
More Than Just Medical Education
Well it is certainly true that we tend not to appreciate things until we don't have them anymore. Cell phone service is already slim to none at the apartment, but last week it was more than that. One day we had three thunderstorms...which meant power outages, no internet, and no phone. Thankfully, the power didn't stay off long. However, we were without internet for about 12 hours and without phone service for over 24 hours. The whole internet thing would not have been a problem if there weren't three lecture presentations waiting for us online that we couldn't view and download before class. So no phone/internet was easy to survive.
No running water for 2 days...now that is a different story.
Since around 8pm last night, the entire town has been without running water. Since LMU has its own water source, it has running water. A bunch of us students are talking about showering in the locker rooms outside of lab. Others are using the pool as a means to not smell like our cadavers.
We have to drive somewhere to go to the bathroom, can't do laundry, can't wash our clothes, can't really cook anything (unless, of course, no water needs to be added to it), and most of us are using bottled water to brush our teeth. Thankfully, I just bought a case of water yesterday afternoon.
It is hilarious to watch how some people are handling the water dilemma. Personally, I don't think it's that big of a deal if it's only for 2 days. Yes, it is a hassle, but it's doable. If push comes to shove, I'll go shower in the lab...or go buy a jug of water to wash my hair with. I see it as just another adventure on this wonderful journey of life. I laugh pretty much every time I think about it.
Even with all of this going on, I still love it here. I know this is where I am supposed to be, so whatever may come my way, I'll push forward. I'm not planning on quitting anytime soon. Nope. Not gonna happen. :)
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Romans 5:1-5
No running water for 2 days...now that is a different story.
Since around 8pm last night, the entire town has been without running water. Since LMU has its own water source, it has running water. A bunch of us students are talking about showering in the locker rooms outside of lab. Others are using the pool as a means to not smell like our cadavers.
We have to drive somewhere to go to the bathroom, can't do laundry, can't wash our clothes, can't really cook anything (unless, of course, no water needs to be added to it), and most of us are using bottled water to brush our teeth. Thankfully, I just bought a case of water yesterday afternoon.
It is hilarious to watch how some people are handling the water dilemma. Personally, I don't think it's that big of a deal if it's only for 2 days. Yes, it is a hassle, but it's doable. If push comes to shove, I'll go shower in the lab...or go buy a jug of water to wash my hair with. I see it as just another adventure on this wonderful journey of life. I laugh pretty much every time I think about it.
Even with all of this going on, I still love it here. I know this is where I am supposed to be, so whatever may come my way, I'll push forward. I'm not planning on quitting anytime soon. Nope. Not gonna happen. :)
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Romans 5:1-5
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Orientation 101
Orientation for the Post-baccalaureate Medical Science Program (PMSP) was today. It started at 8:30am...and I just got back to my room around 5pm. It is definitely very clear that there is a lot of work ahead of me for the next few years of my life, starting Friday. I'm about to be thrown in a flood of anatomy, and it's sink or swim. I know everything will be fine, but it is going to take some discipline on my part. I can do it. I will do it.
On a different note, the beauty of this land still amazes me. Almost every time I walk outside I am awestruck. The mountains are so gorgeous and relaxing! I'm sure that will be to my benefit when studying.
I don't know how often I'll be able to post, but I will do my best to write periodically so everyone at home in NC will be able to keep up with me. Please continue to pray that I follow where God leads.
Each step of this amazing journey is simultaneously mind-boggling and eye-opening. Such a great (and interesting) feeling.
On a different note, the beauty of this land still amazes me. Almost every time I walk outside I am awestruck. The mountains are so gorgeous and relaxing! I'm sure that will be to my benefit when studying.
I don't know how often I'll be able to post, but I will do my best to write periodically so everyone at home in NC will be able to keep up with me. Please continue to pray that I follow where God leads.
Each step of this amazing journey is simultaneously mind-boggling and eye-opening. Such a great (and interesting) feeling.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Really on my own...but God is with me
I have wanted to start a blog for a while, but I never took the initiative to create one. Since I no longer live in NC near friends and family, what better time to start one than now? Plus, I like writing. It's kind of like running for me: a stress reliever. Whenever I feel irritated, upset, or just have a lot of things going on, I write. So during the craziness of school starting back (on FRIDAY!!), I have an outlet that people at home can also enjoy.
As for the title of my blog, "The Adventurous Journey": Everyone's life is a journey. Only some are adventurous. Mine is both. As Stasi Eldridge stated in the book Captiviting,
So I have started a pretty big adventure here in the-middle-of-nowhere, Tennessee. I moved almost 6 hours away from home for a post-baccalaureate medical science program that will help prepare me for medical school. I know I am where God wants me to be, which makes it a little easier to be so far from home. Seeing cars from Arizona, Wisconsin, and Illinois in the parking lot make me thankful I only drove from NC too!
The area is absolutely gorgeous (it helps that I love the mountains), but you HAVE to drive to get anywhere. Even to campus. I actually live in a different town than LMU's campus, but I'm only a little over 2 miles away. And Kentucky is 2 miles in the opposite direction. So far, those are the only places I've been, but I've found most of the essentials: Wal-Mart, a few restaurants, gas stations. I've scoped out a few churches online, so it looks like either tomorrow or Sunday will be the beginning of the church search.
Maybe I'll go on an adventure later today before it gets dark...because when it gets dark, it's pitch black! Ok, maybe not that dark, but there aren't streetlights unless you're in town. It's a little hard to see.
Everything is unpacked for the most part. I feel like I actually live here. There are still a few more things that need to be bought, but everything is pretty much in place. I'm excited for what is in store for me here. There's a reason I'm here that's much bigger than school, even if I don't know what it is yet. I'm here and ready to continue this journey full of adventures.
I think I'm going to enjoy it.
As for the title of my blog, "The Adventurous Journey": Everyone's life is a journey. Only some are adventurous. Mine is both. As Stasi Eldridge stated in the book Captiviting,
"We think you'll find that every woman in her heart of hearts longs for three things: to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, and to unveil beauty. That's what makes a woman come alive."She couldn't have been more right! I have chosen to play an irreplaceable role in the great adventure of my own life. I believe that the other two will fall into place on the way. As I continue in my adventures, however large or small they may be, my own beauty and the beauty around me will be unveiled so I can see it. And I wouldn't mind being romanced along the way (there will probably be another blog about that in the near future).
So I have started a pretty big adventure here in the-middle-of-nowhere, Tennessee. I moved almost 6 hours away from home for a post-baccalaureate medical science program that will help prepare me for medical school. I know I am where God wants me to be, which makes it a little easier to be so far from home. Seeing cars from Arizona, Wisconsin, and Illinois in the parking lot make me thankful I only drove from NC too!
The area is absolutely gorgeous (it helps that I love the mountains), but you HAVE to drive to get anywhere. Even to campus. I actually live in a different town than LMU's campus, but I'm only a little over 2 miles away. And Kentucky is 2 miles in the opposite direction. So far, those are the only places I've been, but I've found most of the essentials: Wal-Mart, a few restaurants, gas stations. I've scoped out a few churches online, so it looks like either tomorrow or Sunday will be the beginning of the church search.
Maybe I'll go on an adventure later today before it gets dark...because when it gets dark, it's pitch black! Ok, maybe not that dark, but there aren't streetlights unless you're in town. It's a little hard to see.
Everything is unpacked for the most part. I feel like I actually live here. There are still a few more things that need to be bought, but everything is pretty much in place. I'm excited for what is in store for me here. There's a reason I'm here that's much bigger than school, even if I don't know what it is yet. I'm here and ready to continue this journey full of adventures.
I think I'm going to enjoy it.
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