I've been studying for 6 hours; I need a break.
I got the fear of God put into me today. It seems that our class is not performing as well as we should at this point. One could say that enough time has not passed for us to hone in our study strategies, ingest the material, and feel settled in this new learning environment. Those would all be valid arguments. But when you're receiving over one hundred powerpoint slides per class, one month's worth of PA school equates to about three. And in three months, if you're not a master of the learning material then something is wrong; if you're not yet comfortable in the new environment, you never will be.
We got not one, but two, lectures on grades and our performances on tests so far. I don't think we would have gotten these pep talks if the overwhelming majority of the class was doing well. That worries me. It worries me because I know that I could have easily been on of the students with the pink slip attached to their scantron, and I don't want to experience that. I've done quite well so far, nevertheless, I aim to do better, and the pep talks we got today were precisely what I needed to redirect and study with a much sharper focus. I realize I can't know everything, but my attention to the details could definitely improve.
Next week is a whopper: 3 big exams, in addition to the start of projects and presentations. Talk about time management. I don't even think I should try to go salsa dancing this week, although it would serve as a great stress reliever. I certainly could use that time to study.
As far as the good news goes, I may have secured a pediatrics rotation in my hometown. One of my PA mentors has offered me a spot in her peds office and I have gladly accepted it! I can't imagine being able to go home for 5 weeks! I'm really excited about this prospect, and I will talk more about it as the details and dates become more solid.
Some kind of break this has been...there is no escaping school, ever! Back to the books!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Another week complete
I'm really amazed at how fast time is going by. We are already entering our 4th week, and there hasn't been a dull moment yet.
The week started off with tragedy. I...skipped...class. Not because I wanted to, but because I was forced to. I will spare you, my invisible, perhaps nonexistent audience, all the gory details. Suffice it to say I cried, screamed and cursed my way into alignment with who I really am. It took a few days, but I'm good now!
Due to the inclement weather here in the north, classes were cancelled -to my dismay- on the busiest day during our school week. We missed two three-hour classes, one of which had to be made up early Saturday morning. The good news is the lecture yesterday was wonderful! I love anatomy, always have, but the lecturer was a older, nerd-like PhD with an unwaivering charm and a knack for dispelling the mystery of anatomy. In short, he made our three hour class fun and informative. I don't mind getting up early on the weekends to attend classes like that! And...I have a thing for nerds! Our first anatomy exam is scheduled for this week. I'll be happy to have it behind me.
The daily addition of learning material in PA school is unforgiving; one must stay on top of things constantly to keep from falling behind. There are tough lessons to learn as you go along. Last week I learned something very valuable: no matter how team oriented you may be, at the end of the day you are simply a PA student, alone, with the sole responsibility to keep your head above water, master the material, pass the PANCE, and begin saving lives. No, there is no "I" in team, and rightfully so. If you fail, there is no one to blame but you. If all hell breaks loose, YOU pick up the pieces alone. It's great if someone lends a hand to help you, but don't depend on it, because most people will let you down. The only person you can ALWAYS depend on is you! And really, should it be any other way? Self dependence is self empowerment, and that is never a bad thing. I can think of lots of instances where dependence on others may yield less than desired results.
Ok, enough philosophy for one night. One more round of studying and I'm off to bed. Three more weeks, and I get to see Linc and the cop. I can't wait!
The week started off with tragedy. I...skipped...class. Not because I wanted to, but because I was forced to. I will spare you, my invisible, perhaps nonexistent audience, all the gory details. Suffice it to say I cried, screamed and cursed my way into alignment with who I really am. It took a few days, but I'm good now!
Due to the inclement weather here in the north, classes were cancelled -to my dismay- on the busiest day during our school week. We missed two three-hour classes, one of which had to be made up early Saturday morning. The good news is the lecture yesterday was wonderful! I love anatomy, always have, but the lecturer was a older, nerd-like PhD with an unwaivering charm and a knack for dispelling the mystery of anatomy. In short, he made our three hour class fun and informative. I don't mind getting up early on the weekends to attend classes like that! And...I have a thing for nerds! Our first anatomy exam is scheduled for this week. I'll be happy to have it behind me.
The daily addition of learning material in PA school is unforgiving; one must stay on top of things constantly to keep from falling behind. There are tough lessons to learn as you go along. Last week I learned something very valuable: no matter how team oriented you may be, at the end of the day you are simply a PA student, alone, with the sole responsibility to keep your head above water, master the material, pass the PANCE, and begin saving lives. No, there is no "I" in team, and rightfully so. If you fail, there is no one to blame but you. If all hell breaks loose, YOU pick up the pieces alone. It's great if someone lends a hand to help you, but don't depend on it, because most people will let you down. The only person you can ALWAYS depend on is you! And really, should it be any other way? Self dependence is self empowerment, and that is never a bad thing. I can think of lots of instances where dependence on others may yield less than desired results.
Ok, enough philosophy for one night. One more round of studying and I'm off to bed. Three more weeks, and I get to see Linc and the cop. I can't wait!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Second Week
Hey, I'm still alive. Is that a good sign?
Classes are going very well. We received our test grades and I did quite well, but I felt these preliminary exams were far too easy and I expect things to become more difficult in the near future...like next week.
We have three exams scheduled for next week, and next Saturday we begin working with our cadavers. I'm really looking forward to holding a part of the human body in my hands, and assaying the insides of something that most never get to see. Pretty exciting stuff!
Finally...finally...after a bust two weekends ago, I finally found a salsa spot nearby. I didn't know what to expect, but when I walked through the front door I knew I was home! Lots of people and lots of great dancers. I had a great time, danced some stress away, and even made a few new friends. I love salsa. I know I won't be able to go all the time, but at least I know of one place I can go where the dancing is awesome!
Classes are going very well. We received our test grades and I did quite well, but I felt these preliminary exams were far too easy and I expect things to become more difficult in the near future...like next week.
We have three exams scheduled for next week, and next Saturday we begin working with our cadavers. I'm really looking forward to holding a part of the human body in my hands, and assaying the insides of something that most never get to see. Pretty exciting stuff!
Finally...finally...after a bust two weekends ago, I finally found a salsa spot nearby. I didn't know what to expect, but when I walked through the front door I knew I was home! Lots of people and lots of great dancers. I had a great time, danced some stress away, and even made a few new friends. I love salsa. I know I won't be able to go all the time, but at least I know of one place I can go where the dancing is awesome!
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