Med School Study Tips

Happy Sunday!!

Time is continuing to fly and Finals are right around the corner! I am looking forward to going home, I miss my family so much! I was very happy with my last exam score! Tomorrow we have an anatomy lab Practical so I've been preparing for that all day. I wanted to list a few things that I am doing differently this semester that has really helped.

1. Going to class: it seems so obvious, however, in medical school they do give you an option. You can either watch the lecture from your laptop or attend. I feel that going to lecture really helps me focus on what the presenter is saying.

2. Studying at the library: after lecture I head straight to the library! I leave all electronics at home so it's just me and my notes for 8 hours! Granted, I do take coffee and meal breaks! Some days are better than others, I try to take a break every hour or so.

3. Happy Thoughts! Studying day in and day out for weeks can get mentally exhausting. You can find yourself in a very negative mood quick! I start each morning with Bible devotion, even if it's 10 minutes! I also play K-Love radio while I'm getting ready; it's the best! I am constantly changing my iPhone wallpaper with inspirational quotes that I find on Pintrest. Talking with family always brightens my day!

4. Repetition: last semester I would feel so overwhelmed before each exam because I did not know how to study for long term retention. It is so important to go back each day and flip through previous weeks!

There are several more things that have changed but I felt that these were the most important. At the end of the day it all boils down to confidence in yourself; you can do it!

Happy Studies!

The blood clotting pathway makes my head spin!!

 

Lovely Morning Run

I cannot believe it is March! Where did the time go? I feel like I just arrived!! However, I am happy because that means 1 month closer to finishing up the semester (prayerfully strong)!! My next exam is in 9 days! I will attempt to get my 7 hours of rest and avoid Monster energy drinks but I can't promise you!! I also need to start reviewing for the final exam which is fast approaching! I went on a 2-mile jog with a few classmates along the beach; the view was amazing. I then went to church and sang with the Praise Team! I feel so blessed to be at this point in my life; I pray that God will continue to guide me. Have a wonderful week!



Study, Study, Study

Greetings!
I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. I've been studying! Classes are going well, our next exam is in 1 week, I pray I'm fully prepared for it. I joined the Ross Christian Fellowship Praise Team! I really enjoy it! Have a great week and remember: You can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens you!

 

 

 



Unveiling of "The Unfinished March" by Ed Hamilton

 

My biggest inspiration, next to my mom....my dad!

Results Are In!

All glory to God, I passed my exam! I could not be happier! Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes!
Time to prepare for the next one! ;)

 

 

Sisters in Christ



2014 In Review

Wow, what a year 2014 has been! So much has happened within the span of 12 months. The biggest thing that happened to me was starting medical school abroad. This was my first time away from my family and my first time traveling outside of the country. I feel so blessed and humbled to have this opportunity. This new chapter in my life has increased my faith and trust in God. When I think about the goodness of Jesus and all that He has done for me my soul shouts....Hallelujah! Medical school is a journey; I started mine 7 years ago. Over the years I have not only developed intellectually but emotionally and spiritually as well. My outlook and perspective on the world is so much different than it was 7 years ago. I have such an appreciation for the little things in life, I try to aim for simplicity as much as possible. I want my life to be a testimony to others that all things are possible if you put your mind to it and keep God first. My road less traveled has not been a cakewalk but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

 

I wish all of you a wonderful and productive New Year; may Heaven smile upon you.

 



Home is Where The Heart Is

Christmas Eve

I wish all of you a peaceful and joyful holiday season. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by loved one's at this time of year. Yesterday, I did some Christmas shopping with my younger brother and visited his new apartment. Later that evening I went out with my sister, it felt so good to catch up; she's my best friend, we are 1 year apart! I missed my CrockPot while I was away; I made veggie soup! My older brother was on a road trip with family and didn't get back until today. The first thing he did was make me lunch, it was delicious! We sipped on egg nog and enjoyed each others company, today has been amazing. Next stop, my hometown :)

 



What's In My Bag: "Med-School Edition"

Due to the rigor and demand of medical school I won't be able to post as much but

I'll try my best to post when able!

During the summer, a friend of mine on Instagram (braidsnglasses) suggested that I write this post! Now that medical school is in full gear I def. have picked out a few "must-have's" in my purse to get me through my day!

1. Planner: You cannot get through a day in medical school without pre-planning your week. In addition to attending lecture each day, you have to learn the new material as well as review previously taught material within an allotted amount of time. A planner is a must! I like to draw square boxes next to whatever I have to study, as I complete a task I check it off; that way I have a clear and focused agenda each day.

2. Binder : I carry this everywhere I go! I have 1 binder per block. So for my first exam I have a binder that holds all my PowerPoint lectures and notes. By the end of the semester I will have 4 binders total. This is a great way to organize and compartmentalize because you constantly have to review old material to prepare for the Final exam at the end of the semester.

3. iPhone: I don't know why I didn't purchase one sooner! This is a must in medical school in terms of the wonderful apps offered. I recently discovered that I am a auditory learner so I've been using the app QuickVoice to record myself while studying the material. I can then listen to "my notes" at the gym, before bed, walking around campus, etc. I also purchased SimplyNoise which is a "white-noise" generator. It blocks out external noise, and I can literately study for hours by listening to it. My friends have also downloaded other apps such as "Netters Flashcards" and "Quizlet"

4. Pen/Pencil Case: This is an easy way to carry all my highlighters, pens, and pencils. It also has a clear zipper pouch in the front so I can keep my lip balm, hand-sanitizer, and gum all in one place!

5. Water Bottle: You always want to stay hydrated while studying. It also forces you to get up periodically to take a break and use the restroom!

6. Jacket: You pretty much live in the library, which is below freezing....enough said. lol

7. Grant's Dissector Anatomy Book: This book has helped me so much in terms of learning and understanding Anatomy which is the main subject taught your first year. I review it every morning, then review it throughout the day; especially before lab!

8. Money: This should be a given but it's even more important in medical school when you want to walk over to the campus cafe to grab a cup of tea/coffee or take a break for lunch/dinner!

I hope you all enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. I am so excited to be on this medical journey and I look forward to sharing my experience with you all in the near future.

Stay encouraged and God Bless!