A Different Perspective

Hello guys. My name is Aqsaa, and I am one of Ariel’s classmates. She offered me the opportunity to write for her blog this week, which I thought I would take a crack at.

I would like to start with a little bit about myself. I grew up in the states, specifically in Maryland, and lived there until I graduated high school. I then moved to Philadelphia and attended Drexel University, from which I received a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences. I continued to live in Philly after graduation, and worked as a Leasing Assistant, which had nothing to do with my degree, but it helped pay my bills. At this point my parents were quite frustrated with me, and wanted me to get to medical school as fast as possible, or move back home. After living on my own for five years, moving back in with my parents was not something I wanted to do. So I began my search for the right medical school.

I honestly never thought I would attend medical school in the Caribbean, but after about a month of researching schools, I decided to go ahead and apply. This began my journey here at St. James School of Medicine. From Ariel’s previous posts, you all probably already know the basics about SJSM, so I won’t bore you with the same information again. Other than the fact that she has mentioned that some of her classmates have moved as many times as she has. This is true. I have moved four times since coming to Anguilla last May. And it’s not due to the fact that I have bad experiences with landlords. It has given me the opportunity to experience different parts of the island which I now call home.

Everyone who attends school here has a very strong opinion about the school, which seems to be on the extreme. Either they like it, or they have an abhorrent hate for it. My personal take on it is that it is like any other university or school. There are professors that are amazing and have a passion for teaching, and there are others who probably are better off not wasting the time of the students. I will say that the first two semesters, which are technically considered the first year of medical school, were not too horrible. Anatomy was a tough class the first semester, and then Physiology was a challenge the second semester. But nothing could have prepared us for the rude awakening which is MD3. I truly believe that having spent one month in MD3, I finally feel like I am actually in medical school. I am sure many of my classmates will agree with me. Being tired and headaches are a perpetual part of my being. But there is hope that if I can make it through this semester, I can survive anything.

However, even though this semester has been off to a rocky start, I still try to take some time to go out and have fun, or spend time doing something I enjoy. I recently went home for winter break, and brought my camera back with me. I have not made too much use of it, but hopefully I will be able to take a break every so often and take some pictures. It is really important to take some time off from studying as well.

And say: "My Lord, increase me in knowledge." (Quran 20:114)

Viceroy Beach