Happy Halloween, y’all. Unlike the cold Halloween nights I’ve grown used to in
Michigan, it’s a balmy 72 degrees here in New Orleans today. As late in autumn as it is now,
this weather doesn’t feel quite right to me especially considering my mom sent me a
picture this morning of snow on the ground back at home. I can’t complain
though - I could probably wear shorts year round here. Anyway, the celebrations tonight should be a blast and for once I won’t
have to wear 3 layers of clothing.
Classes
are continuing to go very well and even though our schedule is lighter in these
last few blocks time doesn’t seem to slow down. After the finishing the cardio
exam, it felt like a large weight off my shoulders knowing that a big portion
of our grades are now determined. With the amount of studying I did for the
cardio block, I felt very prepared and my grade reflected that. The addition of
a new class during the renal block made me nervous for the exams, but it turned
out to be less difficult than anticipated. In addition to the newness of the
molecular and cellular pharmacology course, with only one confusing lecture for
principles and my minimal knowledge of renal physiology, I was concerned
when exam day came. The questions were straightforward though and all went well
thankfully.
Although
the molecular and cellular course is a bit dry and I don’t enjoy it as much as
the others, it certainly seems useful and valuable. Some of the material I am
already familiar with but we are covering topics to a much greater level of
detail and this will be particularly useful if I start research or lab work.
Ideally I will begin research work this coming month because, after our first
conversation, Dr. Mostany told me to come back and talk with him in November.
He stressed the importance of being able to maintain high grades and that he
would only want me to work if I have enough time on top of studying to make a
commitment to the lab. I think that is really reasonable and good advice, and, after
having settled into an academic routine over these few months, I do feel like I
have enough spare time to commit to regular weekly hours in a lab. The moment of truth will be another conversation with him.
Lastly,
with regard to my volunteering, I should be starting work with
Ochsner Baptist soon. I had the standard TB test in addition to some vaccines
so within the next couple weeks I expect to have my department orientation and
first shift in the ED. Looking forward to it and the tail end of this semester.
