9/30/17

I can not believe that we have already been through three blocks in the program. I have learned so many different things in such a short time. A lot of this success is due to my classmates who have helped me along the way. They explain things to me that I don't understand at first, and they teach me interesting ways to study. For example, I didn't realize that writing on a white board with different colors would stick the information in your mind so good. I have also learned in this program how to study. I feel like that is a big part of being successful in these classes. Once I was able to find my way of studying the information, it did not seem as overwhelming.

Nola life is seeming to grow on me a little more. My classmates and I are getting closer as friends which makes the weekends fun, and a good study break. We also formed intermural teams in basketball and volleyball. Our first basketball game went really good, because we beat this team by 50 points! This is a good way to spend time with good people and relieve stress.

For my service hours I have gotten to do a lot of different things. I have been volunteering at KIPP middle school for the past month. For the most part it is interesting to be in a school setting. The only thing that I wish we would do is hang out with the kids more. Most of the things we do is cutting paper dollars, or moving desks. I also spent a Saturday with the Habitat for Humanity which was very fun. Most of the day we moved couches for people and other furniture. This was really nice because we were not out in the sun. The people I volunteered with made the day that much better. These coming months I plan to work at the Children's Hospital in whatever area is need. I feel like this will be a great experience.

A Step In The Right Direction

A month and a half into this program, and I feel like I have learned more than I ever thought I could. We have had two block exams already, which have changed me as a student, because I have become humble. During my four years in undergraduate I studied hard, or at least I thought I did. My studying habits and my work ethic has gone to a new level while being in this program. There was times I would think to myself before an exam " how do they expect us to know all this", but what I  have learned is that you can if you truly put in the time. I feel like this program is going to give me an advantage in the long run because I am getting a taste of what it is like to be in medical school, and what it takes to be successful.

Since I have been in Nola( New Orleans) I have experienced a lot of different things outside the classroom. I have gotten to try amazing food, ride along in a swamp tour, and participate in different club sports on campus. This school has a lot to offer culturally, and as an outlet from studying compared to my undergraduate school. I also really get along with my classmates. I was afraid at first, because I didn't think I would have anything in common with the people in class. I played football for 13 years, and most of my friends were athletes so when I came here and realized I was the only college athlete I was nervous. It turned out that everyone in class may have not played a sport in college, but they like a lot of the same things I did, like football, lifting, and Super Smash Bros. What made it even better, was that they were all chasing the same dream of serving the community as doctors and care givers.

For my service hours I plan to do a few different things around the city. I will be working with a community leader to teach at risk children the art of jewelry making. I also plan on volunteering at the children's hospital a few hours a week, and putting aside a few weekends to work with the Habitat for Humanity. The last thing I am wanting to do for right now is work with KIPP every Friday for a few hours, which is being a role model to young kids in the community.