Updates on Life

Hello all!  I know I should have written by now but I can't get out of the air.  Literally.

So recently, my dad started having some health issues and I actually flew home to see him at the end of February.  I actually skipped one of courses at Chicago Heart.  I went to help my mom care for my dad.  I came back to Chicago for a few days before going on a cruise for a week.  I would just say that I needed that time to just relax.  And I will say that I feel so much better.  Well, unfortunately, I wasn't able to come back as planned because my dad started to get worse and I could only continue to pick the doctor's brains about the condition that he was in.  Still he isn't what he was before all this happened but he is alive.

So I came back in time to take my NBME which I was not very optimistic about and I must say that I see what I am studying so hard for now.  I don't know why I took so long to take it in the first place but I honestly should've taken it sooner.  I can say that I probably have a clearer map of what my study schedule should be opposed to what it was.  I also will add that I did not want to purchase UWorld until I got back from the cruise and I honestly probably should've subscribed sooner.  I love this question bank so much better than the Kaplan Qbank we got access from the school.  The lectures are there if I need them but I can clearly see that I wasted so much time going through that thing. But I don't want to give advise just yet because I am waiting for the results of my NBME at this point.  I want to be optimistic about the results but realistically, I hadn't studied since February because all that has gone on.  I tried to here and there but it was way too crazy for that to happen.

At this point, I am continuing to study for Step 1 aiming for a new goal of June.  My original goal was to take the test in April but that has come closer than expected.  I think now that I know what to be prepared for, I am not worried about anything else at this time.  I would ask for continued prayers for my dad and his health and all the other students at this time also studying for Step 1.  Match day was a while back and SJSM still hasn't posted anything about the people that have matched this year.  I would presume a lot because the school has grown and more and more people are passing Step 1 than before.

So before I go, I promised some pictures of me while I was on the cruise so let me show you some of my happiness.

Chicago Car Show for My Birthday

Hair for my birthday!

Cruise boat: Carnival Fantasy

Towel animal while on the cruise

Cozumel's San Francisco Beach

I hope these few pictures do justice of all the fun I seemed to be having but I assure you that I am not having any fun with the UWorld questions.  I would ask for continued prayers for success.  I thank you all for reading about my adventures to becoming a doctor.  If you have any questions about SJSM or Caribbean medical schools in general, please don't hesitate to send me a message and I try to respond within a few hours no matter what time of day it is.


For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

The Infamous Block 4

Hello all!  I am really making a point to post very often because I know there is a lot I can answer questions for on this side of the program opposed to answering questions when I am gone.  So blocks are finished and everyone is just getting ready and planning for home.  I probably should've packed yesterday but I decided to catch up on some television shows.  Plus I went out for dinner to celebrate the fact that it is my last normal block.  I guess this is the part where I should be sad. Someone cue the tears.  Okay, I will stop laughing now.

So my block exams went fairly well I must say.  You can tell that I wasn't distracted by Walden courses and I truly studied a lot this block.  Since this block is only 7 class days, I really have to make this count!  And yes, you read correctly.  SEVEN days!  And we have 13 days until White Coat ceremony.  And I guess you can say I am a little excited.

So what have I been up to?  Nothing much.  Just studying like crazy.  Since there is no real method of standardized testing in medical school other than the Step 1, our school has implemented NBME exams everywhere.  Most classes have at two like my class has.  NBME stands for National Board of Medical Exams and they just hold onto old USMLE exams.  It's a company like the PSAT.  They hold on to old questions and sell them to people for them to simulate a real exam.  I would say it is a good business because a lot of people use it.

Lunch from a restaurant at Shoal Bay

So with 3 class days left, what do I have to do to pass and move on with my life?  Two presentations, two quizzes, 4 exams, a research paper and Carnival.  I included the last one as a joke but I think you get the point that I have a lot of stuff to do.  Monday, we actually don't have school because it is August Monday also known as the first day of Carnival.  There is a parade and a beach party to go with that.  I really should study so let's see!

My group from my
Pathology poster presentation

In the past few days, I have presented a poster with some lovely classmates and I must say that we BEAST moded that presentation and it is reflected in our grade.  Also, this week we were to turn in research papers to our mentors of our research assignments that some students had the luxury of working on for the last three semesters.  My group has had to make a lot of revisions but I think we still did a great job.  And I have rewarded myself greatly this week!  Mostly because my exam grades were favorable and I am so close to getting out of this place.  Here's a few pictures to showcase how my week has been!
 I can only say that this week, I was blessed.  I was blessed enough to be around great people and have great grades.  As for a progress report on my brother, this week he has decided that he would move his leg in places to make it appear as if he would like to make a run for it.  Sorry little bro but you gotta stay put just a little while longer.  And of course there are some side jokes that come along with that as well.

Dinner with a highly regarded professor

Again, I appreciate all of the people who have helped me on my journey this far.  It has been a long road.  I have met a lot of great new friends and lost contact with a few but our relationships should surpass that.  I would think here would be a good point to ask if I have arranged anything so far for the future move to Chicago.  I signed a lease from here for an apartment in Chicago.  I know it is risky but I didn't want to risk not having a place at all because the area I am moving to is college town.  I think it was a great choice being that all utilities are included.  And I am still arranging what furniture and items that I am taking with me.

Since I only have a few weekends left, I am attempting to live.  For once in my life, I am having the opportunity to live.  I have always been a cautious person about spending and I must say that I think that I have done fairly well.  I really have not increased my debt as bad as I could have but I decided for my last few weeks, that I won't say no as much.  I just wanted to say that I experienced Anguilla versus just lived here.  I think all of my audience would like to hear that I did that as well.

Enjoying Shoal Bay

So what now?   I have almost learned all of medicine.  There is almost nothing else the teachers can teach me.  So now, it is time to put the absorbed information the teachers here have given me and study to take the Step 1!

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.  There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 16:24-25, ESV

Is it time to go home yet?

Seriously, is it time to go home yet?  I just want a warm shower and food that I don't have to cook.  I know I am so silly but you start to miss the simple things when you are away from home.  So I passed my block 2 exams and it's already almost time for the block 3 exams.  I must say that this semester has flown by.  I apologize for not writing sooner but I have been a busy little bee in the library studying my life away.  Especially since my computer has decided it doesn't want to be reliable by blue screening frequently so I am so happy that the library has computers for us to use besides just used to print.

Since blocks went well, I figured I would treat myself to a beach day after classes and here are a few pieces of evidence of my little bit of fun including learning to swim.  I went  with a few friends as usual and this is Shoal Bay to be specific just before sunset that is now occurring before 6 pm.

The next new thing that happened in my life was the time change that occurred in the United States.  This is the first time in my life I have to actually rethink the time because we are now officially on Atlantic Standard Time.  I have been so sheltered that I have only lived in Eastern Standard Time.  I know, you can say it's sad but it's a new experience for me and I am excited.  Also, the sun no longer rises at 5 am and now rises at a quarter to 6 so there is somewhat an improvement in the chicken and rooster alarm clocks. 

So after attending church service, I was notified that I was in the newspaper from the Breast Cancer Walk that I participated in.  I must say that it was a pleasant surprise and it is something to say that I did.  Here is the picture if you like to see.  My body did hurt for a few days after that maybe because I was wearing sandals and not exactly the best clothes that I could have been wearing.  It was for a great cause and that's all I need to convince me to do something.

Other than studying for classes, I volunteered with the Anguilla Red Cross and got my face painted in the process.  I must say that they did a fine job and it was really fun to meet some more people in the community that I am now apart of temporarily.  We, the students, were giving health checks as usual to the locals.  We also helped in conducting surveys about if our services were helpful or not.  The general consensus from what I saw was that they loved our involvement in the community.  Since this is the rain season, it was nice that the rain did decide to hold out until after the event was over.  And hopefully we made more connections in the community.

Other than doing things other than study, I have been learning some new things in class as well as old.  Repetition is seriously one of the best things ever.  Fortunately, the classes have overlap in some of the pathologies otherwise I wouldn't know how I would remember some of these and to think that I am going to have learn more is still mind-boggling.  But I am sure since everyone is doing it for this long that I can manage with what little that I have.  Here's a picture of the brain from my teacher's presentation on DIT, an imaging technique for the brain.  I am unsure of the source but it looks really nice so I will insert it here.

We also have had a series of presentations this semester.  I think by now I have had about 4 presentations this semester and it's still not over yet.  I think I have about 2 more presentations to go.  Below is my friends and I looking as nice as we can in our presentation attire.  I have been told that I am a natural at presentations but I think I just put on a good impression that I do.  So with next week going to be blocks, I must say that I am in my panic mode although I know that God has my back as long as I cast my cares upon Him.

Last but not least, here's a Word to have:

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

-1Peter 5:6-10, KJV

New Block, New Day

So I know it has been a while but I got into the groove of school and when I had to time to mess around, I kind of forgot to write on here.  But I promise to do better I promise. I must say that I am handling two schools very well.  Or so I think.

If you recall, I am attending Walden University at the same time attending Saint James School of Medicine.  Yes, I know.  You don't have to tell me.  I know.  It is difficult but a lot easier than you think.  I only work on Walden University work twice a week.  And I am pursuing a Master's in Higher Education so that makes it a lot easier.  I have two other classmates pursuing Master's in Business and another Master's in Healthcare Administration.  Overall, I think my program is the easiest.  Plus it's helpful in paying for my education for St. James.  I will add that the refund that I received from Walden is not enough to cover the cost of tuition which does not even include living expenses.  So still, I will have to apply for the Delta loan so that I can eat and sleep somewhere safe.

Now onto what you really want to know about.  I survived Block 1.  Block is how the school divides the semester and it is the exam period for all of your courses.  I will also add that everyone has them at the same time which is good and bad.  The upperclassmen are the available tutors but being conscious that they are studying for their exams as well as helping you study yours can make you feel more considerate when asking them questions.  I won't share how I did but I will say that I am pleased with my first quarter grades and I think I could of performed better.  It wasn't the greatest start but I know I have a chance of surviving MD 1 if I perform consistently.

I also will share that starting in the summer is an advantage because of the many holidays that we observe.  Already we have had three days off from school because of holidays.  I'm not complaining because the extra study day wasn't a bad thing.

So far, I think that my favorite course is embryology.  It may be a little biased because I do like the human life a lot but it's a great course overall to see how our organs came to be.  I can only say that everything has its specific place and our body was made in its way for a reason.  I can honestly say that I am amazed in all my courses at least once per class.  So generally about 4-5 times daily.

But I think someone would rather know about my study habits.  It makes a lot of sense since I wake up to this everyday.

View of St. Martin from my Porch

Not to brag but it's there.  Every morning.  Beautiful as ever.  I did say when I moved here that I was going to enjoy it as much as I can.  I very much appreciate my view each and every morning.  I will mention that my budget has been blown since I've been here.  For future reference, I'm going to have to do better.  Back to my study habits.  I will also mention that my study habits are going to start changing for this Block because cramming for a week before the exam was just not the right thing to do.  I am actually starting strong by reading through the material before class and it is really helpful.  I also suggest asking for help when you need it because before our review lab the week of blocks, I had no idea what the names of the coronary vessels were until I asked the professor and he showed me one by one on the cadaver.

I also will admit I did call home crying (home sick) last weekend because I had no clue as to why I came down here but this blog is a reminder of what this journey is about.  I will say that when I moved here, I did not rent a car at all.  A lot of students do to get around and maintain their sanity.  I suggest it if you can afford.  Me, however, I don't come from money that allows me to do such a thing.

I also have to mention that for some humor that the bus driver really would like to take me on a date.  Well, that is a great idea and all especially being that I mentioned having a boyfriend before.  But getting on the bus every morning hearing "Good Morning Gorgeous" isn't bad either.

 So far, this journey has been full of happy moments and tears at the same time.  I am praying for better days and study habits.  Tomorrow night, there is a block party at this island called Scilly Cay.  I'm not going simply because a professor said it is pretty expensive to drink there and drinking with people I don't know just doesn't sound very safe as well.  I'm sure that I would rather study and go to a beach on Saturday anyway.  I know I sound like a party pooper but there are plenty of opportunities to do things.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12, NIV

First Week of Classes Down

So, my first week of classes are officially over!  What have I learned?  Nothing.  Or at least that's what I think I've learned.  So remember that ant problem I mentioned.  Yea, I came home from school on Wednesday on the 5:00 pm  bus and they were everywhere.  I have never seen ants that just crawl around for no apparent reason.  It was absolutely disgusting.  I can't do this and it is a sign to me as filth.  In case you're wondering.  Yes I did clean up.  I did not leave dishes in the sink or food on the counter.  I had actually put all of the clean dishes inside the refrigerator to prevent ants from getting on clean dishes.  I know.  It's a shame.

Well, when I stayed at school the other night, I was "studying" with this guy that ended up being my roommate.  Well you know how I stated that I was kind of lonely and bored all the time well, now I'm not.  I moved in with another man.  Yes, I know you're thinking, "I thought this girl said she had a boyfriend?"  I do.  I still do.  He was not for it but after coming home that Wednesday and Thursday afternoon to filth, I had to do it.  I have never lived in such conditions and I wasn't going to start.

So this is not my recommended way of vacating an apartment and I don't suggest the method that I took but this is what I did.  I told my landlord on that Thursday that the ant problem was becoming ridiculous and that I was going to move.  He then stated that he was going to take my rent and deposit.  I paid this guy with a $1000 check.  I'm going to just let that marinate.

That $1000 consisted of a security deposit and first month's rent.  If I stay until Saturday, I would have only lived there two weeks.  At the most, I feel like I owe him half a month's rent which could be covered by the deposit I paid for the electric company and filling the gas tank for the stove.  In case you're wondering, I cancelled the check.  I know it was wrong but I wasn't going to let this man walk over me.  I understand as saints we are to turn the other cheek but being that I have asked him repeatedly to do things for me and they were not done, I don't feel obligated to do so.  So, I cleaned the apartment so that it's presentation was better than it was given to me and had my new landlord pick me up.

Beach at the Forest Bay, Anguilla

So far she seems very nice.  I will say that my new place is much bigger although I share it with 3 other people right now.  It has a 5 minute walk from the beach and an unforgettable view.  I picked the master bedroom in this 5 bedroom house.  And yes I picked it because of the king sized bed.  I have one at home and it's what I'm used to.  So I started unpacking on Saturday after moving in and attempted to study but I got the best sleep in my new bed because I wasn't paranoid of bugs crawly on my things.  The best part was the view.

Well, that dream was shortened when one of my room mates came home and said I moved into his room.  So I moved down the stairs next to the kitchen which is still not that bad because I still have a killer view.
And I still get a king sized bed.  My room is a little bit smaller.  I only gave it up without a fight because it is his last semester and I didn't feel like fighting at 7 at night.  So currently, I am straightening up and trying to place all of my belongings while studying for school this week.  One thing is going to have to give.  Ugh.....

Well, this week is all about sustain and maintain.  I'm sure with God, that this is not impossible.  Again, I thank my classmate for opening up and letting me know of this place so that I can study in peace.
If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you.

Leviticus 25:35, ESV