JANUARY 2021

Monthly: 3 Hours

Cumulative: 3 Hours

After a month long break, it is nice to be back in class again! Although the break was much needed and a good mental refresh for me, I definitely feel more confident in myself academically now (not so much to where the shelf exam doesn't scare me but I don't have anxieties about classes and my academic performance anymore). I truly feel that I've gotten the hang of my study plan and feel very in control of my own success. 

The Principles section of the first exam was challenging for me, but I did well and am happy with my scores. The material was more challenging than I thought. Bundling together the reproductive and endocrine modules in addition to all the diabetes drugs? I was overwhelmed to be honest! My friend Sarah who is an MS2 at LSU Shreveport and I chatted about it, and she told me that those modules are also bundled together at her school. That made me feel better because I then felt challenged to prove that I could handle this truly medical school-level workload!

I also learned hilariously this module that my understanding of diabetes up to this point was pretty lacking. Insulin and diabetes were concepts that were mentioned but never really taught to me in undergrad. Before this, all I could tell you was that insulin was involved treating in diabetes and had something to do with blood sugar, but sadly that was the complete extent of my knowledge. I'm proud to say that I have a very adequate understanding of it now. I'm excited to learn more about subjects that I never had much exposure to in undergrad, especially now that we are doing neuro.

For service this month, my friend and I carpooled to Second Harvest Food Bank to volunteer for their community kitchen where they assemble home cooked meals. Sharing with her a place that means a lot to me was a memorable experience. I love the people and the atmosphere at Second Harvest Food Bank. I especially love volunteering in the community kitchen because it gives me the chance to meet and get to know people from different walks of life of all different ages. It has become like a second home to me since I moved to New Orleans, and the people there are always so kind and help me feel at ease. It's nice to be able to safely work with others since the pandemic has hit. They have strict rules there about masks and handwashing as well as gloves and hair nets that help me feel safe until I can have a chance to get the vaccine. 

Overall, I still can't believe that the first semester came and went so quick. This semester is definitely feeling busier and faster, but I'm happy to be back and looking forward to all this semester has to offer!