Well folks, as much as I love writing, when life comes a-knockin’ unfortunately the blog takes the beating.
This week I went for a last minute lake cabin retreat with two girlfriends from OBU. We had a wonderful time! We used floaties to lay out and tan on a very calm, clear lake. We partook in hot tub time, ate, played board games, attempted to fish, laughed, laid in a hammock, and even kayaked. It was a little vacation I didn’t even know I needed. It came at the perfect time too. Right before I left, I realized I had a little email conundrum with medical school where I realized I wasn’t getting all the emails I should have. (I should have known, no wonder I hadn’t heard about orientation and the white coat ceremony yet!) Once I straightened out the correct email with the administration, I was forwarded a flood of information including my test/class schedule, orientation schedule, info on becoming a student ambassador, and most importantly a self-study block of a class that has already begun! Whoa. Who knew medical school started the summer before?! Since I was on vacation though, I anxiously tucked them away for reading and absorbing as soon as I got back on Thursday.

I would love to share the scheduling and everything I will be up to this fall since that is a lot of what I have been curious about for so long. Questions like, “How grueling is it really?” “What is the day to day schedule like?” Unfortunately, I don’t think sharing these google docs on the interwebs for all to see is something that I can do. You see, every medical school is different and takes pride on their exact brand of medical education- how it is structured, set up and scheduled. So giving that information away feels a little like copying something that isn’t mine. As for MY schedule, daily life, opinions, and whereabouts- I’ll be glad to share those as much as I can.
Also, as I begin my medical education, please take the time to read my disclaimer.
This class that has already started (and I am already behind in!) is called Expert Skills and the information we have to read is mostly about personality types and how it affects your learning style/how you can study better once you know your type. I think its really helpful and it is a great idea to finally understand why I do so bad on multiple choice tests! Ugh! There are also a lot of tips on how to overcome and learn other styles of learning so that it fits with what comes easiest to you. Already I feel like I’m being taken by the hand (figuratively) and being given the tools to succeed instead of being worked into burnout, then drowning and flailing on my own.
The professor knows that I am behind and highlighted specific phrases in his email like “Don’t get overwhelmed” and “Don’t feel alone, just feel energized.” Things that were personal and helpful to me instead of just “Here are all the documents you need,  figure it out and turn it in when you’re done.”
This class will also meet during the semester and we will progress into how to study for multiple choice exams like the boards and also how to learn best while on clinical rotations. I’m excited!
I can now happily say that the study room is done! It is so beautiful and I’m in love and obsessed with it. And I have already been using it thanks to my pre-medical school homework and blogging! I love all the handmade details and chic vintage feel.