This week has been a BLURRRR. As I mentioned in my last post, it’s exam season, and this week I’ll have my last exam of 2nd year (woot woot!). It has been the LONGEST block – 13 weeks! It’s also been the block with the most material – Immunology, Dermatology, Rheumatology, Microbiology/ Clinical infectious diseases, and Hematology/Oncology. A LOT! We were told it prepares us for Step 1 and according to the data my school has been collecting on our curriculum, there’s a strong correlation with how well you do on this block and how high you score on Step 1 – yea, no pressure. 

So alas, this week was buckle down and tunnel vision on these books. We were still learning new material up till Wednesday (#BecauseMedSchool) but I’ve been reviewing past material like crazy. Some stuff I learned back in November, I lowkey had forgotten (strugglessss). On the plus side, I developed a routine that I think I’m going to continue with during my dedicated Step 1 study time.

Everyday this week, I left my house at 6:30am, found decent parking on campus and was at my study desk by 7am, at the latest 7:15am. And then I would begin studying. Yes, it’s been that real. I made a daily To-do-list the day before, and would start the day tackling the items on the list. I typically work in 50-55 minute increments with a 5-10 minute break to stand up, stretch or walk around. Lunch time has been 30 – 45 minute breaks. Y’all it’s been so real that I’ve made my cubicle my second home. As in my little locker on top is stocked up with a large container of oatmeal for breakfast and cans of soup! Ps. I will gladly accept any food donations haha

Where the magic happens – in the quiet study room

But yea the countdown is real, the days have been long – usually 12+ hours day spent in school, but I’m balancing the stress by working out during the evenings. In the same school – I did mention it’s like my second home right? Haha. There’s a workout room with all the weights and cardio I need so, my routine is pretty much the same: study, eat, workout. Go home. 

Part of the reason my days have been super long is studying for my block exam but also working through UWORLD questions for Step 1/ relevant material for this block. The grind is real, but I’m trusting God that it’ll all pay off. And even though I missed a reaaaaally dope Super Bowl Party tonight (Yaaaaaasss Eagles!!!!), I take comfort in knowing I’ld rather have this exam behind me than live in regret – shoulda, woulda, coulda. Nah bro. 

Pray for your girl y’all! Looking forward to being D-O-N-E!