Well, the holidays are approaching. I did sign up for taking my CBSE exam. I am scheduled after the first of the year. I have really buckled down. Currently, I am reviewing pathology. I am using Pathoma and testing my knowledge with UWorld. I am finding that reading is still fundamental. That sounds like a smart response but sometimes when you read questions, you skip the content that has the answer with your eyes. Sometimes your eyes are very deceitful.
Thanksgiving was a very eventful time. My husband and I traveled to Atlanta to see family. Additionally, we drove to my hometown in North Carolina for him to meet some of my family that wasn't able to make it to the wedding. Unfortunately, we couldn't see everyone but just the chance to see a few family members was worth it.
Time with family is a good way to take a break. I only stress this because some IMGs study for a long time and while they are studying, they may forget about their family. Just remember that your family is there for you and they provide the perspective of why you are on this journey. I saw my brother for the first time in a year and a half. Honestly, I haven't had the money to go see him plus I kind of feel bad for him not being able to be at my wedding. I am glad that I was able to have my other brother there however. Spending the few hours with him made it seem a little like old times because he was responsive when I brought up a few "sensitive" stories.
This post is short but all I needed to say was that the last few weeks gave me more perspective as to where this journey is supposed to take me. I am appreciative and more powered up than ever. I now get where the video about procrastination being a choice comes from. To all medical students studying right now, CARRY ON!!! All the prayer warriors, CARRY ON!!!
But as for you, be brave and don’t lose heart, because your work will be rewarded!
Hello. I am sure that some people believe that I have fallen off the face of the earth. I just want to let you know that I have not. The last eight months have been fascinating.
After getting back from the cruise, I continued "studying." I say it like that because now, I don't think I was studying to the best of my ability. I retook the NBME on May 25, 2017. And you guessed it. I failed again. I was so angry with myself that I said I wasn't going to study for a while. Now, why would I do that? Waste of money to be in Chicago, right? Shouldn't I just go home?
Well, I could have gone back to Georgia with my parents or North Carolina where the rest of my family is but I don't want to look like a failure. But I have skipped over a little bit of information. Let's rewind to Easter Sunday. My boyfriend and I went to church as usual at the sunrise service. After service, we had breakfast at church and spoke to a few members socially. We came back to the apartment and worked on our computers for a while before getting the idea to go to Walmart. He finally got on one knee and asked me to marry him. <----- equals="" excitement.="" p="" that="">
So fast-forward to June after getting my NBME results, I decided just to plan a wedding since I was so angry at my progress which amounted to nothing. I was so upset, I called the school asking for reassurance, and I did not get the response I wanted to hear. So I made my path. I QUIT studying. A lot of people would say this is stupid and I agree. Looking back, I was stupid. I wasted a lot of time just looking online at wedding stuff I couldn't afford.
By now, you have realized that I like to defy the norm and if there is a cheapskate method for accomplishing a task, I take the risk. Well, I order the wedding dress on eBay from China. Yep. Pretty stupid idea but the dress came out very nice. The best part was it was less than $200. So in June, I flew to Atlanta, GA to try on my dress and get it altered because I did not want my fiance to see it. I also saw the wedding venue I booked the internet for the first time. I know this sounds like a disaster, but I promise this is on a medical student budget.
By now, I am teaching very regularly with Chicago Heart Training. July comes, and James gives me an alternate location where I teach weekly. I paid for the entire wedding with this extra money. And maybe a little bit on a credit card. Overall, it was a hot August wedding in Georgia. It wasn't over 60 people, and it was a great day. Here's a video of the big day. Unfortunately, YouTube caught some songs for copyright infringement, and one of the songs is missing, but the video is still great, however.
After the wedding, we went on our honeymoon. Our honeymoon was a 5-day cruise in the Caribbean. We had a blast. We visited Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, and Nassau. We overate, laughed, enjoyed each other's company and beat one another at Connect 4.
Back to reality, my husband went back to work, and it was time for me to get back to work. We moved apartments just before going to Georgia to get hitched, so there was a little unpacking left to do. Then it was study time. I still was trying to work at Chicago Heart, but it wasn't working out. It was a big distraction with all the phone calls daily about classes and such. Plus it was heartbreaking to hear about the devastation of Hurricane Irma to Anguilla. So represent Anguilla well, it is time to study hard and get that MD!
So lately, I have been confined to my computer answering questions on UWorld and watching YouTube videos while reading through First Aid. It has been a challenge, but life is supposed to throw curveballs. No road is straight and narrow; they are all filled with hills and valleys. My family has been blessed. Although my brother has not recovered from his accident, I am still hopeful that God will heal him in the manner that He wants to heal my brother. My father will get a kidney if it is God's will. With the obstacles in my way, I still smile. And can only be happy and shout Hallelujah!
So, I will try to make this blog more of an accountability partner and write about the latest things I have studied. I am currently working on Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Behavioral Science. Next week, I plan to start on dreadful Pathology. My source for Pathology is the gold standard, Pathoma. I am excited to get going very hard and heavy. I have signed up to take the NBME during the testing period of December 25 through January 7, 2018 (I missed the deadline for the end of the year period). If anyone wants to be an additional accountability partner, don't hesitate to email me periodically and ask me questions.
Thanks for stopping by and have a BLESSED day!!
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
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.
I would just like to ask for forgiveness for leaving all of you out there hanging on what is going on with my life. I would just like to say that since the last time that I wrote, I have just been a busy little bee studying her life away. Honestly, AICM just included a rotation for a minimum of two hours per week of various doctors that you essentially watch or talk about how to treat patients. There were some doctors that were better than others but it is not my place to blast them on here. My friends and I enjoyed each of our rotations and learned from them differently. I would say the biggest things were the fact that everything was beginning to come together.
Honestly, while learning the material on the island, the information doesn't make any sense. Talking with the doctors made us understand that all those little details matter. Often, I have been told that I should be careful not to "over-study" but I beg to differ. Is there a such thing as over-studying for the Step 1? If anyone has an answer to that, I beg you to comment below so my friends can get some information from you.
So I am sure you are dying to find out what is going to happen next with me. Well, right now, I plan to just study like crazy. I honestly don't have anything coming up that is spectacular unless you mean my birthday in February and a cruise in March. Plus, when I get back from that, I plan to take the qualifying exam to take the Step 1 with school. I must agree that this is a really bad idea but it was something that was planned in advance and I didn't think that this would be how it worked out but unfortunately that is how my schedule is flowing right now.
Also, I am continuing to teach some BLS/HeartSaver courses here and there now that my partner in crime, James, is back around. If you would like more information about some of the trainings we offer, just visit www.trainchicagoheart.org. We are still working in conjunction with the Anguilla campus so you can expect some overlap. We successfully turned the Anguilla program over to two other lovely students who are doing wonderful with the program despite also being responsible for their coursework as well. I must say that I am extremely proud of them. They are featured in the Newsletter featured on the SJSM website.
Also, not relevant, but I am pictured in the January 2017 newsletter on page 5 reviewing an exam with some other classmates. I still remember that day and I must say that it was interesting to get my picture taken while discussing my exam with the professor. To recap, the picture was during my third semester which is considered the most difficult semester for students to master.
But other than these tidbits, what else do I have to show for myself? Umm.....would you like to see some of my Step 1 notes? I'm just kidding but if anyone still has any questions about anything, I am still happy to answer. I can take a 5-10 minute break every few hours to answer any burning questions that one would have about school.
Maybe before I end, I should explain what my hold up is right now so that people understand my path and where I am going. So right now, I am studying for the USMLE Step 1 which is a test taken by foreign medical graduates and American medical students alike. It is a test that determines your fate of what you are to become it seems like the good book does when we get to heaven. (Give me props for that analogy if you can!) My school has us (its students) take a qualifying exam (NBME) to determine if we are ready to sit for the Step 1. Upon passing that, we are allowed to sign up for the Step 1 and write that exam. The current passing score for the Step 1 is currently 192 with the average being in the 220s. Of course me, being the overachiever that I am, strive to be a little above that.
I already mentioned before that I plan to take the qualifying exam at the end of March. Based on the results of that exam, determines my next steps. My ultimate goal is to successfully pass the Step 1 by August so that I am able to participate in Match by 2019. So I asked for continuous prayers of my success in those endeavors. I also don't want to have a never ending cycle of repeating learning the same things over and over which also explain my sense of urgency. So if anyone is wondering why I am becoming a hermit, this should explain it all. So peace and quiet it shall be!
I extend hope and prayers for all the students that are currently studying with me and pray they all pass with the scores that they desire. Just know that my journey is far from over and it is continuing on. I am just at a mountain currently but I am climbing and I have the equipment necessary to reach the top. I will try to update you monthly throughout the journey with details of celebrating my birthday and going on the cruise plus the qualifying exam. Thank you all for your many well wishes.
Although Christmas has passed by a month, here's a family picture including my brother that was in the motorcycle accident on my iPad. Please continue to pray for his recovery.
Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up.
Sorry! Life happened. So like, I kind of finished on the island and had white coat. Came back to the United States. Traveled from Atlanta to North Carolina to visit with baby brother and went back to Atlanta, GA to pack to move to Chicago three days later. And I am still currently unpacking from this last move. I must say that I wish things were slightly different but I like being an easy plane ride away from family and friends. Also, I managed to make it to see a few doctors to get tests done for clinicals to come. I'll just post some pictures so that it can be said that life has been busy yet amazing all at once. I can only give God the glory for it all.
Let them give glory to the LORD And declare His praise in the coastlands.
Hello followers! I greatly apologize for my absence. Not only is it my fourth semester here on the island, it has been a true test of my faith. This semester is the semester of joy because you finally get the feeling that you see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's when you can say you're moving back home even though it is really a move to Chicago, IL for the next two years of your life. But I will say that I am grateful for all of it. The road of life was never meant to be a straight road into the sunset because then there would no purpose for trials and tribulations that present as the curves, hills and bend in the road.
A few weeks ago, I posted that I was unable to talk about what was going on. Before then, it was joy from passing my cumulative exams. After passing those exams, I was involved in a parking lot accident. I backed into another car that was coming into the parking lot. Just a little advice: look up some of the laws or have really good friends who know the laws very well in another country. In the US, the fault would be the individual driving forward and not the person reversing but that isn't the case here. Too bad, I didn't learn this was the law until two weeks later after talking with many individuals including the police who never informed me of such a thing. But that now is resolved and insurance will take care of it.
In other news, I began studying for classes after that and finished the last season of Grey's Anatomy. I treated myself to some snacks and buckled down studying. This semester is mostly a review semester because not much material is actually taught. Well let me rephrase that. We have a big class that consists of mostly review and then the other three small classes we learn bit by bit. I would say we have a bit more free time due to the lack of busy work that is required this semester. Overall, I like it although it seems a little harder than the others. Maybe because we're so close to the part where we start to study for Step 1 but I don't know.
Everything was starting off well into the semester and then I received a phone call. My youngest brother was involved in a motorcycle accident.
You can never predict how the path in life is going to go. You can plan to go straight but who's to say that God won't have turn left to turn right later to get back on track. It would have been nice to know that this semester would be like the others and only thoughts of passing my classes but it didn't work like that.
My brother was driving to see his great grandmother when a vehicle turned in front of him. He only rode a motorcycle to save on gas. My brother doesn't speed and doesn't attempt any tricks on his motorcycle. He just left from visiting his uncle's house. Even routine things can turn into disaster. My brother is now recovering from a traumatic brain injury. I think the part that hurt the most is knowing exactly what the doctor was saying because of all the classes I've taken. Afterall, I know that physicians are not gods. Plus I know who the great Physician is! So I continue to pray for my brother in his recovery. It seems thus far, it is at the pace of a turtle however.
So after flying home unexpectedly and the cost of moving to Chicago from Atlanta, my life is looking pretty swell. I knew this journey would come at the cost of bad credit, threatened relationships and other things. Never would I have predicted this. Because this is my last semester and I know I probably won't be back on the island for a very long time if I decide to come back, I am trying to experience as much as possible. Unfortunately it may hurt my pockets but I will have some good experiences and food while I am at.
Mmmm. Breakfast!
Seven weeks from today, I will graduate from the island and receive my white coat. The excitement I feel is beyond my wildest dreams. I am very anxious about what the future holds for me. I am excited to see what the Lord will lead through in Chicago. The price of apartments could be depressing but on the other hand, it is the chance to be a plane ride away from loved ones. Now, it is a plane ride with layovers that add up to over 12 hours most of the time. Just being able to hold family in your arms is always de
sired. My maternal-grandma, grandpa and boyfriend will be present for this special day. I will be sure to post a link on all social media about viewing the ceremony online. It will most likely be starting around 4 pm as the other traditional programs have began.
I want to thank everyone who has crossed my path to this point. To the people that have helped me in any way, shape or form thank you. Even if it was as small as a like on Facebook or Instagram. It is all appreciated. "To those closer ones, love that is ever steadfast." I think at this point, I can say I have made you all proud of me for the journey this far.
I apologize to all of those that I may have acted differently towards but everyone grieves differently. I shut down and didn't want to talk. I just miss having my friend to talk to every now and then about how life is supposed to go. Also about the surprises he had in store for our parents. I guess it's all on hold now.
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
I must say that I know why all the upperclassmen were running around like their heads were cut off. This semester has things constantly due and quizzes to always study for. And then, when you think you studied enough, you haven't at all. Then you go back to the slides to review the same material you may have reviewed 15 times before. And sometimes even after that, you must reread them again.
I can honestly say that this semester will be more of an isolation type deal. I think I have communicated with my family less than I have in previous semesters. Mainly communication is about the upcoming big day or White Coat. Although it isn't until next semester, it is still something to look forward to and be excited for. Plus it is a mechanism for keeping my eye on the prize. So far, it looks as if it will be August 13th which is the week after Carnival. Talk about a bit of excitement.
I will mention that this semester has challenging classes but it may only be considered challenging because class is everyday until 5 pm. Yes, we have class from 8 am to 5 pm. Monday through Friday. Three of my five classes are five days a week as well. It sounds worse than what it actually is. At the end of the day, you want a doctor knowledgeable in diagnosing infections, knowing the drugs to treat the condition and if there should be any other conditions to consider.
This is also going on while my friend and I are trying to accomplish a project of educating community members on CPR (this is the undisclosed project I mentioned in my previous post). We have had everything come together at this point and it is really looking like we will be great at what we are doing. We have our school's support and students leaving this island will have one item on their AICM checklist completed. In case you are unaware of what AICM is, it is the fifth semester in which students have review for the USMLE Step 1 and preliminary rotations at the hospital in Chicago, Jackson Park. From what I hear, they are trying to move the fifth semester to the island but rumors aren't true until it becomes reality.
By training the students for a reduced fee, we are saving the money to train community members. This project is a very large commitment and more than what I expected but it is really making me rethink a lot of decisions. The fact that I have the ability to educate others in something they need makes me want to make a life long goal of educating people of this gift that I have. So that may be an introduction for a program I may want to execute in the future. Or maybe one day call Anguilla home. Who knows what the path of life will bring?
Not to mention that I am also involved in a research project of glaucoma prevelance on the island. A professor had an idea to potentially pinpoint the amount of people that would be living on the island with Glaucoma. There is no research about it thus far but we should have information regarding this eventually. Although it may appear to be a lot, it is still what I think I am called to do. I am greatful for the opportunity to participate in all of these lovely activities. After attending church yesterday, I can only end with this:
If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13, NLT
Later this week, I have an assignment to visit a senior citizen's home. If I am allowed, I will try to take a few pictures and get a few good stories to give readers some entertainment. If you would like to help me with my project for educating Anguilla on CPR, please do not hesitate to email me. To all, stay blessed and I appreciate your prayers for greatness! Have a blessed week!
Hello All! You don’t
have to remind me that I am a little late in posting because I have been trying
to get myself to do so for a while now.
It has been a really awful week honestly. My dad was hospitalized for stomach pain but
unfortunately the doctors wanted to treat his high blood pressure. That is a conversation all in its own but
other than that, he went home on Sunday.
Thank God for that.
So continue on with the car situation, I only had to pay
$265 EC or $100 US to transfer the car to my name. So the rumors of it will be $500 US were
false. I must thank my step father #1
for that because I didn’t know how I was going to get that paid for. And I promise I will get that oil change you
told me to get. But now, no more
stranded at the library when it closes and I don’t have to stay until midnight.
On to new things, I need to describe the classes that I have
this semester. Well, there are some
students in my class that rely solely on watching videos of this professor but
that is not my style. I don’t even like
sitting through lectures of our teachers sometimes so why would I want to sit
through another? Whatever works for you
is how you should proceed through your classes.
Biochemistry seems a lot easier than it should be but I am
not complaining. It also may have to do
with the fact that we don’t have to know as much information as we had to learn
in undergrad. The course seems more of a
review from undergrad. The method I am
using to get through this class is reading the slides repeatedly as well as
redrawing the pathways and identifying rate-limiting enzymes because those are
the steps that heavily influence your reactions and where most pathology come
from.
Physiology is the hardest course that I have this
semester. It uses the anatomy on
steroids we took in the first semester and begins to tell us how the body
functions. Today we will start the
kidney and from what I’ve heard, it is NOT your friend. This class is all concepts. The formulas that you are given in class are
not usually for solving but more of explaining how structures work within the
body.
Genetics is very difficult to describe. It seems way too easy but I will not discount
it because it has some challenging things to remember as well. It is also review from undergrad if you took
this course.
Neuroanatomy is probably the most interesting class we have
this semester. The teacher uses a teaching
style that is different from every other teacher and I think it is the most
effective. He rarely uses powerpoint and
draws on the board. It is useful because
you can draw everything and not have to study as hard. This method of learning should be used in other
courses but I am not the teacher for these courses. Also, the professor commented that Caribbean medical
schools should have better teachers due to US schools employing teachers based
on how much research money they can contribute.
When the teachers do teach, it may be a teacher’s assistant or they may
do so while focusing on their research.
It is a valid point but who knows the truth?
CCBS is similar to what I had in the first semester except
this time it is primarily presentations this semester. It is mostly review from last semester in
combination with new information we are learning this semester. Still, it is mostly a review course for
repeat exposure to material.
Finally we have RHM or research in health and medicine. While we are on the island, they ask that we
perform research to ensure that we understand the importance of research. The research must be feasible for the budget
that they provide which is not a lot from what I hear. A lot of students usually continue research
that other students have done previously.
So those are the classes.
Since last week we finished our Block 1 exams, we had our usual Scilly
Cay party sponsored by White Coat which is a committee for the final semester
students to raise money for their white coat ceremony. This semester, I decided to partake even
though I would rather sleep. They also
had a beauty bar where you could nails, hair and make-up. I decided to let my
friends give me a makeover and I’ll let you decide on how I looked and you can
scroll through other pages if you want to see a difference. It was really nice to be dolled up and prance
around for a few. I didn’t get a chance
to take pictures a Scilly Cay because it was so dark. I should mention that it is another island
that just so happens to be used for partying.
My Attire for Scilly Cay
Tribute for a Friend
One last thing to add before I close is that I have a friend
that would like some prayers and donations for her cousin. Her cousin who is in India is experiencing
some health issues where she will need a heart and lung transplant. She has a Go Fund Me page and I will provide
the link below. Any support would make
them happy and I am sure there are plenty of prayer warriors out there. Her name is Deepika and she is only 23 years old. There is more information about her condition on the link below.
Hello all once again! I just wanted to give you all a brief update on my life. It feels like it's been a long week although it's only Wednesday. This week has been full of interesting little things. Yesterday we had our first physiology quiz which seemed way too easy. With that said, I will let you assume how well it went for me!
But how should I start this off.........
Well on Sunday, I came to the library. I used to get rides from the librarian because we went to church together but since I've been back to the island, I have been more solitary. I absolutely HATE asking for rides. It is honestly just so annoying that I would rather hitch one than be that person that you talk about that you are always giving a ride. As the library closed, I honestly did not know at all how I was going to get home. It is not the greatest feeling either so it just so happened that a lovely young man with a good heart decided to take me home. It was a nice gesture but that is the last time I ever want to be stranded like that.
When I got home, I called my mom to discuss possibly getting a car. As I have mentioned before, I don't have a lot of money nor do I come from money so this was all the money that I have remaining until I receive my financial aid from Walden. So, yes. I'm pretty much hurting for money but because I need it, I will get it. We agreed on what I should do which is not let me be stranded again so that equals get a car. I think I've found one but I will definitely post my chariot when I get it. Just FYI, the cars here are not always the greatest but if you remember that they are only to get you from point A to point B, you will be fine.
Another thing that I did consider was the fact that since I am purchasing a vehicle that all maintenance is up to me. Yes, I see why people rent a car but being that I have met so many people on the island that are like family to me, I have faith that I will be alright. Plus I will have to sell it but I think I will stay on the island until the end of the month after my MD 4 semester.
Monday and Tuesday were spent studying for physiology of course but I have honestly neglected studying for biochemistry since the beginning of the semester hence the title. I honestly feel bad but I am truly leaning on my background in chemistry from college but I don't think I can any longer. I just started literally studying for it in the last three hours. Two PowerPoint's down and eight more to go! And yes you read that right. I don't need the ridicule because I know that was a bad idea.
Not to mention that last night I went to dinner with the Walden University representatives and a few students. Oh my, the shrimp was so good but I do regret that two hours that I could have been in tutoring for physiology. Oh well, I can't change what happened now. The Walden representatives did pitch an idea for us, the students, to develop a way we can organize something that could potentially impact the island. It is a very good idea but I am trying to fit in the time to do Walden and this program in itself. And that's stressful enough. But I have some ideas in the back of my mind.
This post is getting a little long and I have to return to studying so I will leave you guys with this:
And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
-1 Corinthians 10:4, KJV
PS: I promise if I do get some wheels that I will take a picture and list ALL the relevant details in case you would want to do the same.
Excuse my absence but I was attempting to have fun after
passing my classes for my first semester.
And yes, I passed! I can be truly
honest and say that there was a moment where I didn’t know if I would or not. Also, I had a big fiasco with my second landlord
causing me to move yet again but this time definitely with someone safe and I
know I will be treated with care.
So yesterday was my first day of classes for my second
semester and I can already tell my satisfaction that I will have with
them. It is not exactly the most
positive feedback. It feels as if I will
have a lot more free time than I had in my first semester however, I do still
think I will use it to study a lot again.
This semester, my classes include: Biochemistry, Physiology, Neuroscience,
Genetics, CCBS and RHM. They also changed my classroom which affects my norm
but I won’t complain although I did see an ant which may add to my
dissatisfaction. Plus I think you all
know my feelings about ants at this point (if not, see post First Week of Classes).
So let’s go back to the discussion about my classes. Biochemistry and Physiology are everyday in
the morning and as of now, they don’t seem very challenging but that may be
because my undergraduate degree is in chemistry. But my goal is to stay on top of those
subjects this semester primarily because they are every day. Also, we were told the only class that gives
curves is Physiology and my class is a little notorious for getting 20 point
curves on a lot of exams last semester.
Neuroscience makes me feel like I am in organic chemistry again because
it seems like I will be drawing a lot of pictures and filling in words as I see
fit. We had our introduction to RHM
yesterday which is Research in Health and Medicine. RHM is a course over the span of three semesters
in which they expect for you to perform some type of research while in school
on this island. In this portion, we just
listen to lecture about important research mechanisms and have a test on that
information and we also do a review of literature. Every semester, we have CCBS or Clinical Correlates
of Basic Sciences. I have no idea of
what to expect this time other than presentations that I’ve heard about.
So since I have been away, I went home to Atlanta. My first meal was Cookout and I ate a really
good cheeseburger. Oh how I missed them
so much! Of all places to not go, I
forgot to grab a Frappuccino from Starbucks.
I did bring back some dresses, my lunchbox and two pairs of heels. I would’ve brought more but there is no real
point since I only have one more year. I
hate that I forgot to bring more food back but you give and take. I was only home for 6 days which does not
provide enough time to see all of my family and friends but just enough to give
me the push to go through this semester.
I did get to celebrate my mom’s birthday which is always great and we
had a blast at dinner that day.
Since I have been back at school, I have learned that I am
the event coordinator for Cover 2 Cover which is an organization that rents
books to students for the semester. My
position is to find opportunities to fundraise so that we could purchase more
books. I also became a buddy this
semester and I have the lovely chance of being a buddy to fellow from
Florida. He seems like a great student already
although he tried to freeze me in the study room last night.
Lastly, I began my Walden University courses again which add
to my crazy life. Right now, it sounds
like a ridiculous amount of things going on but with classes finishing at 3 pm
each day, I think I will be fine overall.
Besides, how can a class called Understanding Students be so difficult?
So I can honestly say, just like the goes I never would’ve
made it through last semester without Him!
So thought for the week,
“Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall
never permit the righteous to be moved.”
Okay, so the main reason I think I did not feel at home the most was because I couldn't go to church so today, I was kind of on a quest to try and go.
Just know that it worked in my favor that after warming my breakfast, a roommate came downstairs and said they could take me.
He dropped me off at the Church of Christ in Blowing Point, not far from the ferry. At first, I was concerned because the driveway looked sketchy but I am usually a trooper for things. After going up the hill, I saw a car next to a building. This building looked very big from the outside and it wasn't as I expected. The church was not air conditioned although with the windows open and the fans going, you could not tell the difference in my opinion. I knew as soon as I was brought here that there was no need to ask my roommate to come back and get me because most Church of Christ members go over and beyond for one another.
Everyone there was very welcoming and I could feel the warmth. The sermon today was about God still having more for us. I agree wholeheartedly because He wouldn't bring me this far to leave me. I will admit that I needed that after my Block 1 scores. I must admit that the sermon gave me a sense of hope for the rest of my time here and that school will be fine. If I continue to study hard and stay focused, everything will come together.
After service, I was informed that there will be a bonfire on Friday night that I will definitely rather go to than the party that happened this past Friday. My roommates went by the way and they didn't sound like they had a lot of "fun." Maybe another semester but not this one. But back the bonfire, I am definitely interested in doing that plus it is a chance to actually hang out with the locals here.
Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures this time but I will the next time that I go. And for the scripture reference:
You will again obey the Lord and follow all his commands I am giving you today. Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The Lord will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your ancestors, if you obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Literally,
I just walked into my bosses office and said, "Sir, I would like to turn
in my two weeks notice now." He said he had no clue about this going
to take place. Of course he wanted to know if I was going to a competitor
but I responded that I was going to medical school in the Caribbean.
Anguilla to be exact. And the response I received was,
"okay."
So
much for a lot of drama and action from someone who "values" you,
right? It's okay because all of the events leading up to this moment told
me that I wasn't supposed to be here. I really thought that I was
supposed to work here when it all started and work here until I retired but
that isn't the case. I just don't want to work anywhere where because I
don't have a PhD determines if I can be a chemist when in fact, I am a chemist
when I graduate college. Sounds a little demeaning, right?
Other
than that, it was really hard telling my coworkers that I was leaving
especially the ones I consider my "sisters." They were happy
and mad in the same sense but for good reasons. The ones that I had told
previously, were rooting for me to turn in my notice so the
"celebration" could begin. I must say that it felt really good
to turn it in and get the secret over with. Now, time seems to be going
faster than ever.
So,
instead of having the option of not working my two weeks, I was told that I had
to work. According to the policy, it says you have an option. So
honestly, that means that I will sit in my office for the next two weeks with
my feet propped up. I did not leave them without some direction of some
of the things that I was doing. I at least wrote procedures and notes on
how I did a lot of the processes we used.
The
group meeting we had on the following Monday was pretty interesting as well.
I assumed that my boss was going to inform the group of my decision but
he actually deferred that to me. It took everything in me to say,
"Well, I quit." That isn't exactly very professional sounding I
would say but it would've gotten my point across. It seemed everyone was
happy for me; even the people who falsely accused me of harassing them.
But that's a story for another day!
So,
I have gotten rid of a lot of things in my office to other employees and I am
ready to say farewell now but I am sure that this torture is going to last
longer than I want it to. Thank God for sick days though because I don't
know how I would make it without it.
Also,
for a school update. Since last week, I submitted the final document
needed for traveling and have received my official acceptance letter to go to
Saint James School of Medicine. I can't tell if I am more nervous, scared
or excited to be chasing my dreams. I also received an invite from my
peers in a group on Facebook which is helping us to get to know one another.
Seems like our class size will be really small but I guess time will
tell.
This
new path is starting to take shape and I hold my trust and faith in God.
He has made it absolutely possible for me to accomplish everything from
birth to now and I owe everything to Him. The scripture below is a brief
description of how I feel right now!
For I’m going to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already
begun! Don’t you see it? I will make a road through the wilderness of the world
for my people to go home, and create rivers for them in the desert!
That is the question of the hour. Well, there are many factors to that question that I have to consider but I would rather talk about 4 of them. The factors that matter the most about my decision to go to school are: my job/career, my family, my friends (or what little I have of them) and my church.
Gulfport, MS
I think from the earlier posts, you can tell that my job will be one of the easiest transitions. I honestly don't like my job. I never thought I would grow to hate going to work every morning but it is very hard to be the only optimistic one at work on most days. I will miss the trips that I got to take to places such as New Orleans with my boyfriend, Gulfport, MS with a coworker and Wilmington, NC with coworkers. These are just a few of the excursions I got to experience while I was employed with this company which are the highlights of what happened while I worked here but it doesn't match up with the day to day things that I have to deal with in the office. I have heard from many individuals that have worked here and left here to find another employer due to the lack of advancement. I have no intentions of going to graduate school for chemistry due to my failure before (yes, I flunked out of a chemistry masters program) because my passion lies elsewhere. I like what I do and I will take my knowledge with me. I just know that waiting 30 years to only be called a scientist is a waste of my time, talent and knowledge and this is the best move to make me happy.
New Orleans, LA with the Boyfriend
Secondly, my family will be a major factor of questioning my readiness to leave. I am worried about my parents who will not have anyone to lean on except our church family being that they moved to Atlanta, GA from North Carolina to be closer to me. My father is on disability while my mother has yet to find a job after searching for over a year. I'm sure they will be fine but I am just hoping that everything happens to them in their favor. Also, my oldest brother has found the one and I am scared that I will miss out on this important stage of his life. He also has my niece and nephew which I will have to miss out on this part of their lives. One of my younger brothers is getting his life together as well as figuring out life with his daughter. She is only 3 years and my little buddy but I think she will forgive me in the long run. Also, my youngest brother is just now starting to realize how to live life. That's all I can say about him because he needs me more than he knows. And last but not least, my sister. I finally started to have a relationship with my younger sister after not seeing her for over 10 years for that to abruptly change and I not hear from her in over a month. I wish that our families were on better terms so that she can see how it is possible to achieve her dreams as well.
Random Walking Downtown in Atlanta, GA
My friends do mean a lot to me but I do understand that they want what's best for me. I saw one friend get married this weekend. My best friend is trying to figure out her dream and be what she can be. I don't have very many close friends so this is the easiest portion of all. And last but not least, the boyfriend. I would think it would be more difficult but being that we have dated less than a year and I tried to cram a year into 8 months after he didn't want to, it is a lot easier to leave.
My church is very special to me. Other than work and home, this is the most likely place that you would find me. I just love how I am able to learn so much from these people biblically. It's not always the classes that teach you something but their actions that tell you they are living the way that they teach. Although some don't teach at all, their actions speak volumes.
Finally I have finished my resignation letter to be handed in on Friday. I have been avoiding it but I have finally completed it. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be but I also told my best coworker. That was a heavy weight because she is out on leave at the moment but she won't be back until I leave. I just felt the need to tell her that I was run off from here but it is for a better me!
I’ll ask the question that you may be thinking: Why did she
title this one $122.62?
Last week, I went to my leasing office of my apartment
complex to pay my rent with a check since they don’t have it set up to pay
online anymore.I asked them the total
of my water bill so I could write the correct total on the check.Well, the leasing laws with the state of
Georgia are entirely different from what I initially thought of them to
be.All in all, if you are not going to
renew your lease, give a written notice 60 days before your lease is supposed
to end.I did not know this
information.So I gave 60 days’ notice
to vacate in February.My lease was
supposed to be terminated on March 4.Of
course there was a fee and it now cost me approximately $400 more than I
budgeted for housing than I expected.I
literally almost cried as I wrote that check and handed it to the staff
there.I must say that it was a lesson
learned.
At work, I finished a project for another person to be told
that I wasn’t the project manager for that project.I also wrote a 25 page report that was
reduced to 12 by my boss saying that the information I included wasn’t
“necessary” for the audience of the report.I just continued to bite my tongue about it and then realized that the
report was no longer my report at all and he had completely rewritten
everything I worked so hard on.I didn’t
want to dwell on these feelings but it’s hard to see the light at the end of
the tunnel when you don’t feel like you’re moving fast enough to see it.
Also this week, I went to visit a woman I consider a
grandmother before going to bible study every week like I always do.When I was leaving, I contemplating whether
even going to bible study when my mother called begging me to come and eat some
chili at church.So I can’t say no to
that.I get to church and it’s just so
happen that the guy I sit next to knows someone who is currently attending
Saint James.He sent him a text for him
to call me.He claimed that there were
some things that I should know before going to school there.What those things are, I may never know
because I never got that call.But who
knows?!
As if I couldn’t get any more clouds of doubt in my head, I
checked the mail and received my electricity bill.I opened it swiftly because I was anxious to
see if that was in its normal range.The
bill was for $122.62.I just cried and
cried.I was starting to have doubts
about leaving especially after the week I had and the amount of money that
people were all of a sudden thinking that I was made of.My boyfriend came over that night and told me
that I was going to school because that was my plan.I immediately dried my eyes and said thank
you.I think that was all I needed to
snap out of my funk that I had.
Overall, you can’t let things happening around you and other
people’s opinions determine your fate on how things are supposed to go.In other words:
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not
overcome it.
