Time just keeps MOVINGGG! It’s been two months since my last post and so much has happened since then. I had my first block exam – it went well (hallelujah praise Him!). Also learned some things about how I study best and what works well. My school is pass/ fail for first and second year but I set some personal goals of my own because **cough cough** I want scholarships (these loans y’aaaaall), so yea, just plugging, studying hard, and trying to stay above the average. At OSU, you’re automatically granted a merit scholarship if you’re in the top 25% of the class. This is done at the end of each academic year. It’s an internal ranking, so it’s still pass/ fail but when it comes to scholarships, grades do matter. Since med school is not easy and EVERYONE is smart, I mean we’re talking high averages, this is soooo hard but hey that’s why it’s called goals right?

I’ve been able to do some pretty cool things, specifically learn some clinical skills. I learned how to do a venipuncture (blood draw), take vitals (blood pressure, temperature etc), give oxygen therapy, do a vision test, give an injection/ vaccine and some other things. We were also assessed on those skills, so yep I can do a blood draw and give injections. Cool right? As part of our curriculum, we’re assigned a longitudinal practice where we go every 2 weeks and practice our skills – taking a history and physical, and the things mentioned earlier. I was assigned to an OSU family practice, so my preceptor is a family physician. A few of my friends were assigned to other specialties – Hematology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, it truly varies. Most people were assigned to a family practice though. Wednesday is my first day so I am EXCITED, at the same time, nervous, cuz y’all I’m still just a first year Lol.

Another exciting I’ve done is shadow in Labor and Delivery. I scrubbed in, was in the OR, saw twin deliveries, one of which was a breeched birth, it was seriously cool! I can’t say that it confirmed OB/Gyn was for me, but it was definitely an awesome experience. In general, I think I like the OR environment, perhaps there could be a future for me there, who knows. At the same time, their schedules though, I don’t know if I’m bout that life haha.

Besides that, I’ve been trying to find this whole med school, social, family, relationship balance. The struggle to maintain a consistent workout regime has been REAL for me. So much studying to be done, it’s like bruuuhhh, who got time to workout?! But at the same time, it all boils down to time management; it’s definitely a juggling art. My next block exam is in less than 2 weeks so it’s very tempting to just go into lock down mode, buuuuut I’m reminded everything is all about balance. Actually, it’s part of the reason I decided to buckle down and finally write (or maybe I’m just trying to procrastinate…perhaps both Lol).

Also, with all the craziness going on in our politics, I filled out an absentee ballot application. I figured I wouldn’t have time to go to the polls, so it was for convenience. That said, PLEASE VOTE Y’ALL! Major key! Like seriously. Tomorrow is the last day to register in Ohio, which so happens to be a swing state, so if you’re in my state, again please vote 🙂

Hope everyone’s week is off to a good start, let’s make it a great one!