Being a post-bac student comes with the perks of having many friends who are ahead of me on the path to medicine. On the rare occasions that I get to visit with these dear compatriots, it is tremendous and refreshing to be amongst others of like mind and similar passion. Moreover, in these precious times, they always seem to know the right questions to ask me. Specifically the question that I've been hearing most often from these premed/medical/postmed friends is, "are you getting burned out?"
"Am I getting burned out?" I ask myself. Well, no... I'm not getting burned out. This is not to say a day will not come when burn out strikes with vigor and abundance, but I'd have to say the following motivations are definitely pushing me in the proper direction.
Firstly it is a joy when I'm able to help any of my students here with their homework. There's just something indescribably pure about the look on a "tutee's" face when they finally understand a concept they've been wrestling. At such a prodigious institution these students are thrown scientific curveballs on a regular basis, and if I'm able to give some quality coaching it's been a great day.
Secondly I've been slowly reading the book Hope In Hell. This book gives a little insight to what it really means to be a "Doctor Without Borders." I'm not positive Doctors Without Borders is the service sector of medical practice for me, but the gritty realism of third world issues definitely captures the core of me.
Lastly I found great inspiration by the number of my students who donated to the Children's Miracle Network today! Granted IHOP delivered them free pancakes in exchange for a donation... Nonetheless, they chose to support a tremendous cause that I hope to one day be a bigger part of.
Currently standing strong and not burnt out yet. Bring on the next 7 hour study session!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
A Longer Awaited Update
Since my last blog post I've completed an entire semester's worth of academic and professional work. To be honest, I probably did myself a sincere disservice by such neglect for this blog. It is thoroughly true that I do function better when my ideas are written out, and moreover it gives me the opportunity to start conversation with any who dare read the ramblings of this "non-traditional" medical journey.
That said, here is the last semester recap.
General Chemistry at NIU proved an enjoyable class, though the lab lacked challenge and creativity. The professor's strict application of his syllabus left little room for error, which I liked. Tests were challenging, but the homework was lacking... I may be the only NIU student ever who longed for more homework. All in all this course was a great refresher, and I now know more about molecular geometry than I ever had.
General Biology started with a pretty tough exam, then lightened up quickly. It was the first semester the professor had taught which meant she was trying to find a happy medium for difficulty and number of people who passed the class. Unfortunately I felt that the course lightened up too much. Biology lab did fulfill my need for legitimate course work though. The labs were relevant and really had me spend additional time with material that I had breezed past before.
This semester has brought a new set of challenges: General Chemistry II and Microbiology. Microbiology will prove much more challenging considering it is a 300 level course and the grade is solely based on performance in the lab and 3 exams... General Chemistry is already looking even more informative than the first semester. Our homework is more consistent and really forces us to know the chapters inside and out. Nailed the first exam yesterday.
With my new schedule in place I'm hoping to start volunteering at the hospital again. Not being there to serve in the hospital on a weekly basis has definitely has taken a toll on me because when I'm there it feels just right.
More updates to come. Until then, know that I haven't fallen off a cliff and that I'm still going strong.
That said, here is the last semester recap.
General Chemistry at NIU proved an enjoyable class, though the lab lacked challenge and creativity. The professor's strict application of his syllabus left little room for error, which I liked. Tests were challenging, but the homework was lacking... I may be the only NIU student ever who longed for more homework. All in all this course was a great refresher, and I now know more about molecular geometry than I ever had.
General Biology started with a pretty tough exam, then lightened up quickly. It was the first semester the professor had taught which meant she was trying to find a happy medium for difficulty and number of people who passed the class. Unfortunately I felt that the course lightened up too much. Biology lab did fulfill my need for legitimate course work though. The labs were relevant and really had me spend additional time with material that I had breezed past before.
This semester has brought a new set of challenges: General Chemistry II and Microbiology. Microbiology will prove much more challenging considering it is a 300 level course and the grade is solely based on performance in the lab and 3 exams... General Chemistry is already looking even more informative than the first semester. Our homework is more consistent and really forces us to know the chapters inside and out. Nailed the first exam yesterday.
With my new schedule in place I'm hoping to start volunteering at the hospital again. Not being there to serve in the hospital on a weekly basis has definitely has taken a toll on me because when I'm there it feels just right.
More updates to come. Until then, know that I haven't fallen off a cliff and that I'm still going strong.
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