2nd semester is in the books

Story of this semester:

I think I won the battle, but as a whole we lost the war.

It was a rough run of things for quite a few people I think which sucks and saddens me. There is nothing worse than seeing people struggle who do not deserve to do so. I guess we'll see when all the grades come out, but until then...my thoughts go out.

Noxolo

So.Ready.To.Be.Done

Block 4 was yesterday and was pretty brutal. I hate that i've studied more for these last 2 blocks than I did all last semester combined, yet i've done quite a bit worse. By all means, I can't complain....I do fine. However, for the amount of work I feel I put in....I don't get out what I want. I guess there is always room for improvement and I'm looking forward to a clean slate next semester! I fly out and will be home in 8 days...but still have 3 cumulative finals to  give my best shot.

Here we go.

Noxolo

Ugh OH

Here comes one heck of a week...followed by another! We're officially in the home stretch! 1 week from tomorrow is block 4, then another week until finals. Should be an interesting run filled with lots of studying, little sleep, ICM2!?, and more studying!

Wish me luck.

The morning of the 15th can't come soon enough...yet I wish I had another month just to study for these next tests!

Noxolo

Thanksgiving

It's been a long day and not my standard thanksgiving to say the least. Between class, a trip to the ER with a friend, and a few hours of cooking...it's all starting to calm down. It's been a weird time being away from home and family BUT I'm super thankful I could spend it with my SXM friends who are my fam here. At the end of the day, we all have something to be thankful for.

Noxolo

Oh Hipsters

Since moving to a tropical island I'm missing out on all my hipster eye time! Now that i'm heading back states side in a few weeks I'd brush up on Stuff Hipsters Hate. Made me laugh...and i'm super tired from studying! BUT...it's thanksgiving! woot woot! (at least here it's 12:05 only since we don't observe daylight savings down here...ugh).

Noxolo

This week would be packed...

So we're getting into prime study time for block 4 and finals, but you know how it is...there is always something going on! This week we have full ICM small groups (I went today, and weird enough but ICM is growing on me), Phi Chi initiation tonight, Thanksgiving on Thursday (even though we don't get school off a few of us are getting together to cook a feast fit for a king), and little odds and ends in between.

However, 23 days from now I will be sitting in the Chicago airport waiting to catch my connect to Minneapolis! It's been almost 8 months in the making since I took that long flight...half of it with Tubby Smith to Atlanta! On that note...Gopher basketball really stepped it up and won the Puerto Rico Tournament knocking off #8 North Carolina and a very good West Virginia team that made a run into the Final 4 last year! They must have shown something since they jumped to #17 in the poles...let's just hope they can keep it up!

Noxolo

Sunday Dinner...the last bit of sanity until December 15h

So a few of us have Sunday dinners every week and this week it was my turn to cook. I really don't cook though..hmmm. With a quick email home I figured i'd make steak kabobs with red peppers, onion, and mushrooms marinated in a teriyaki/honey sauce with cheesy potatoes, corn on the cob, rolls, and fruit pizza. It turned out way better than expected :) Compound all that amazing food with a great lunch of wings, ribs, crab cakes, chips and salsa at Jimbo's for the phi chi social and a great dinner of a 14oz filet mignon, homemade mashed potatoes, and whiskey carrots from Toppers last night...i'm stuffed! All in all...a great weekend but I got ZERO studying done since Thursday night so it's going to be another LONG week..and really a long push from here on out!

Noxolo

Where has the time gone!?

So it's been a while since my last post, whoops! But since a great friend of mine started up her blog I figured I should touch in here. Not a whole lot is new...same old story, simply a new day. School is school and I am ready to finish these last 4 weeks up strong and get back home for a little break. 3rd block ended up being my "welcome to med school" block. Life down here was no longer sunshine and happiness. School kicked my butt more than i'm used to which ends up putting a lot of tension on everything else. No worries though, all is well but I just need to stay focused to get where I want to be. These past few weeks have been busy with the school wide Talent Show, Phi Chi's Wine and Cheese party, Community Action Day and Harry Potter! It's fun to stay active but at the end of the day it all comes down to school and staying ahead of the game. We initiate the new phi chi pledges on Tuesday so hopefully that will be my last shin dig for the semester due to school. Thank goodness for great friends and family, both here and at home, I don't know how people would do this whole med school thing in a different country without all the support.

Noxolo

block week...again

I swear I blink my eyes and it's block week again! So....here we go...one more week before block 3 and there is a LOT to still do. I'm really not looking forward to all the studying that needs to happen this week but it'll all get done. Last night the halloween party at tantra was pretty good..lots of good costumes...and dinner before hand was REALLY good. One of the best steaks i've had here yet!

Back to the study!
Noxolo

another week down

it's hard to believe that we're only a few weeks away from another set of tests! This weekend is going to be packed with dinner's and shindigs, but most importantly ....STUDYING! My goal is to be all caught up before Sunday dinner...fingers crossed.

PS our Halloween costumes came in!

Noxolo

why do weekends go by so fast?

so...the week after blocks is done...which really didn't mean much since we had our biostats final on Friday anyways! I'm happy to report I am DONE with biostats (and even got all my biostats Q's right on my kaplan questions today)!...and overall block 2 went well....er....I can't complain at least. There is always room for improvement though so time to move on to 3rd block.

This weekend was a real good time and it absolutely flew by! On Friday night we had the CMSA Hockey Tournament which was a blast. Our team lost both our games, mainly because yours truly was in goal, but we still had a great time. Last night we went out to dinner for Jeff's birthday at the Boathouse and then went to see a movie. Dinner was great, the movie was....a movie...but it was good to get off campus/out of Cupecoy for the night. Finally, tonight we had a little Sunday Dinner....which essentially was a fourth of July dinner + guac!...burgers, brats, coleslaw, pasta salad, watermelon, and lemonade :) Hopefully we can continue because I loved it!

Hopefully i'll be able to catch up on studying this week so next weekend can be freed up. Time will tell.

Noxolo

oh block 2

block 2 is in the books as of yesterday...er...atleast MCB2, physio, and immuno are done! We have our biostats final on Thursday. It's 80% of our grade so no break from studying! After getting 2 of my test grades back I think block 2 can be summed up by saying I knew my material well, but I just wasn't confident in my answers. MCB focused on some pretty minute details but let's not go there. Immuno on the other hand was much harder than the first test, but still doable I thought. Goal for 3rd block....just answer the one that I know is the MOST right...ie...don't go with the safe answer choice and hope for the question to be thrown out or multiple answers to be given credit! Just have to move on though! I'm looking forward to playing some soccer tonight though, should be a good time!

Noxolo

TED videos...

http://www.ted.com/talks/sheryl_wudunn_our_century_s_greatest_injustice.html

I'm a huge fan of TED and a lot of their video's...check them out!

Natural selection....please kick in!

It amazes me how some people were the fastest/smartest/best ...and thus led to them becoming a human being....amazing. Were the other ones REALLY that dumb? or were you simply the only one to get pointed in the right direction? Regardless...it amazes me the shear volume of DUMB people in this world.

Anyways...it's the weekend...have some things planned so it should be a good time!

Noxolo

Much needed break

Tonight a few friends and I went to Pineapple Pete's for dinner and to play some pool...it was a blast. No matter where people are they always say "there isn't anything to do here...blah blah blah." I know I've said it every other place I've lived but in reality it is all what you make of it and the people you're with. I'm thankful to have some good friends down here that are open to go do something as simple as play pool on a Wednesday night and make it a great night. Plus...i'm feeling better...and I'll attribute it partially to them/that.

Lets hope I wake up tomorrow feeling half way decent!

Noxolo

1st block of 2nd semester is in the books!

So for the past week or so I've been sick...and being sick sucks...but there is nothing worse than being sick when you need to be studying hard core! We had block 1 yesterday and all the grades are back to us by today! (A really weird quick turn around since we weren't expecting physio until the end of the week!) After getting grades back I'm kind of blah. I did fine on 2 of the tests...and managed to get my lowest test score so far on the other. I think the worst part was knowing the answers but over thinking them and choosing something obscure. On Friday i'll know which ones I missed though...nothing I can do now but move forward to the next block. Well....I think im going to try and get better first! That brings me back....who gets a.) a cold in the caribbean? and b.) an ear infection in their 20's? ugh...just have to keep moving I guess! Not a whole lot else has been going on besides school and sickness...hopefully something fun will be done this weekend though!

Oh, ps....short tests suck. This block our tests were 40, 35, and 28 questions respectively. To me...40 questions is a good number..and should be the minimum number of q's for the amount of material we cover! In physio...28 questions...you miss 3 and you're already down to an 88!....CRAZY!

Noxolo

Really...

One would wonder how I become sick with a cold on a tropical island...and really I have no answer. I figured i'd have a better chance of getting Dengue or something else...but a cold was NOT on the list. For the past few days it's been full of class, studying, headache, sore throat, sniffles, followed by a plugged nose and ear's that won't seem to pop! Not that being sick wouldn't be bad enough with class and normal studying, but this is the week before block 1! ugh...I think i'll try and get to bed by 12 tonight....lets hope these extra few hours of sleep help!

Noxolo

On the other side

On Monday I started my 2 semester commitment as an Anatomy TA. It was not at all what I expected. Just a month ago I was on the other side of the tables...white coat on...trying to grasp every bit of knowledge I could. Now, I try to interject my knowledge into the 1st semester....what is this, how you can tell between this and that, where did you find that....over and over, table to table...it's simply weird. They all seem so young, but they're really not. Some seem so eager, which will go away soon enough, but some so timid and over extended. I have a feeling these next 2 semesters in lab will be just as interesting as last semester!

Noxolo

2nd semester....and hurricanes...oh yesss

Today was our first day of 2nd semester...delayed from our original start date of yesterday due to Hurricane Earl. It feels good to get back in the swing of a regular schedule even though nothing about today was regular. We finally got power back after 2 days without it only to have it go on and off frequently over the past few hours. There is nothing more frustrating that having power for 15 minutes and thinking it's back for good to only have it go off for a few hours...and then come back on after you already get to school! No worries though...the storm could have been worse. All in all Earl wasn't THAT bad. We lost a ton of trees and vegetation...a few signs....some fence....but nothing too crazy. I think i'll try and come up with some goals for the semester and post them here in a few days..pending on the power!

Noxolo

Oh hurricane Earl

As we get ready to start the new semester hurricane Earl has decided to descend upon SXM! The water just went out, thank goodness for water bottles and cost-u-less bottled water, and i'm assuming the power is going to be quick to follow. There has been so much hype for this dang thing that it should be interesting to see once it passes.....1st hurricane! The school has done a good job of keeping the students informed and setting up a shelter at school for those who wanted to go there instead of staying at home. Maybe i'll have a chance to get some pictures tomorrow when it's light out....we'll see! School decided to close tomorrow because of Earl but I still think i'll head there presuming our power and water will be out by morning! I'm just glad that i'm already here and not stuck in one of the many airports across the US and Puerto Rico like a bunch of the other students who have had flights canceled and delayed!

No worries

Noxolo

It all has to come to an end

Only a few more days of break...and actually I'm kind of ready for it to be over?....weird, I know. It's been nice having no real worries other than which beach to go to, or where to go for dinner, but I'm ready for a set schedule again! It's kind of funny seeing new 1st semesters on campus and a majority of them look just as lost as we all did a few months ago. It's crazy how much you can progress in a short amount of time!

Noxolo

Loving break!

So I decided to stay on island over break and i'm loving it! The island is nice when i'm in school, but I never really had a chance to go out and enjoy it. However, the last two days have been a blast just hanging out on the island relaxing. Yesterday we had people over for a bbq at our place and then hung out at the pool....real fun. Today a few of us went to Orient Beach for the day, rented chairs on the water and just hung out....amazing. Then for the low price of $45? my roommate and I decided to rent Jet Ski's...WOW...amazing. Probably one of my favorite things I've done in quite a while...ripping through the water on jet ski's, beautiful day, great beach....perfect!..and I will be doing that again sometime before I leave the island!

All in all it's been a fun past two days and it's nice to get my mind of studying/school to just reset! Yet 10 days from right now my 1st day of 2nd semester will be in the books!

Noxolo

I hate moving

I am officially all moved into my new place and wow do I hate packing and moving! Although I've only been down here for a little over 3 months I've somehow compiled an impressive amount of "stuff." I guess when you compound the amount of stuff + the Caribbean heat and humidity + moving in one of the smallest cars known to man = a long, drawn out process! No worries though, it's all done...at least for another year!

I'm looking forward to the next 10 or so days filled with nothing but no worries, Saint Maarten beaches, our pool, and grilling out!...plus throw in a little jet skiing....a trip to Anguilla or St Barts?...or one of the countless other touristy things to do in SXM!

oh...and all the grades are in for the semester and it looks like I made deans list...yippee

Noxolo

DONE DONE DONE

...1st semester is officially in the books! I'm still waiting on our anatomy shelf results but I had already passed going into the final...such a good feeling! It's kind of been a weird culmination....what do I do now? I'm trying to pack so I can move in the next few days but what else? It's weird not really having anything to study or any real plans....but i'll take it while I can!

Two weeks from today 2nd semester will begin....WOW

Noxolo

just...a....little...bit....more....

9 hours and 10 minutes from now the MCB final will be officially over....but hopefully i'll be done a little early per usual! I CAN NOT WAIT TO BE DONE! Studying for finals has sucked! I can't believe it's been 3 1/2 months since I first started here but wow am I ready to have a break from studying!  Hopefully all goes well and I can start off my 2 week break on a good note...

Wish me luck

Noxolo

Days like today

Days like today are the ones I'm thankful I live a 5 minute walk away from a nice beach. I woke up, grabbed some food and went to the beach to do a little MCB studying. Even though we were only there for an hour or two it was really nice to just get outside on a beautiful day.

Of course the rest of the day has pretty much been me trying to study but my mind not wanting to follow suit! Hopefully tomorrow and Monday I can hit MCB hard and end the semester on a high note!

Noxolo

Done with Anatomy!

We had the Anatomy Shelf exam this morning from 8-1030am and I am official DONE with anatomy. Since I had already passed the class before even taking the test it was a no pressure situation which helped alleviate any stress with taking such a big exam. All in all I think it went well but we'll see in a week or so when the grades come out.

Now i'm left with MCB as my last test on Tuesday. I really don't think it's going to be THAT bad either. A lot of the upper semesters said that it focused on the last 2 blocks of material and those were 2 of my best tests.

Noxolo

Shelf can NOT be over soon enough

Study and reading and studying and reading...blah blah blah I'm sooo ready to be down with the anatomy shelf exam! Nothing is difficult...it's just a matter of going back and reviewing everything from the semester. Which, weirdly enough, doesn't even seem like that much information as I review it..oh well...moral of the story is that I'm ready to be done with it!

On a more happy note...I picked up the 2nd set of keys to our new apartment. Although the dorms are really nice and if given the opportunity i'd probably stay in them my whole time here....i'm really excited to move to a new place. Hopefully i'll be all packed up by the 17th and move on the 18th.

Back to studying....

Noxolo

Anatomy Shelf

In two days we'll be taking the anatomy shelf exam as our anatomy final. Essentially the shelf is a collection of old USMLE step 1 anatomy questions...should be fun. I have 2 days to study for it so here we go....and only 6 more days until 1st semester is done!

Noxolo

On to the next one, on to the next one

Block 4 grades are up...and i'm happy to say that I have officially passed anatomy (even though we still have the Shelf exam on Friday)! Now it's just a mater of if I honor the class or not. Also, MCB went well and I should be on track to honor that as well pending any major mess up. Even though block 4 was a success I still need to keep it in study mode for another week! I really want to do well on these last 2 tests, the MCB 1 final and anatomy shelf.

So here it goes...

Noxolo

Block 4 is in the books

3 tests between 8am and 12pm and I am finally DONE with block 4! I'm anxious to see how they turn out....I thought MCB was a fair test, anatomy written will be my worst of the semester, and anatomy lab was as expected. By the general consensus from a bunch of people in the class....i'm going to say these will be our lowest class averages yet...! Oh well, I guess we'll see tomorrow!

On a more happy note....i'm taking the rest of the day off from studying! A few of us are going to go grab some lunch (I literally have eggs, frozen veggies, and some chicken and that is ALL), then i'll probably reorganize everything so I can be productive studying for finals. Finally, we have our first semester fundraiser tonight....should be fun.

Noxolo

23 hours and counting

Final day of studying before block 4....of course its beautiful out! Plan for the day...review MCB til noon, take a break for lunch, and then review anatomy until 9 with some potential lab time in there if I feel up to it. It's kind of crazy but these days are some of my most productive since I usually have some pressure.

Here we go...23 hours and counting til block 4!

Noxolo

Why is it that the days that you need to get up early to study you rarely do, but the days you can sleep in you can't? Well....my plan was to get up a few hours ago and start studying....too bad that didn't happen as planned. Oh well, 10 days from now 1st semester will be done with!

Noxolo

Home Stretch

The end of the semester is now right around the corner! The 9th is block 4, the 13th is the Anatomy Shelf exam, and the 17th is the MCB final! Let me tell you, these can not be done soon enough! I'm really not stressing about any of the tests at all. On one hand it feels good because it's less stress, but I really hope it doesn't hurt me in the end. It's kind of funny how much easier it is to understand material when you take away the stress of the situation. When you actually learn to learn instead of learning for tests it all seems to flow a whole lot easier...I might need to adopt this for good?

I know I keep saying that I want to blog more but have yet to really follow through with it...my bad. However, since I just finished a 50 day photo project I know that I can easily take 30min out of my day to post SOMETHING...big or small. So from here til the end of the semester I'm going to post everyday.

Now back to studying?

Noxolo

Crunch Time

Block 4 is right around the corner...(2 weeks away)..and I NEED to get in gear! I've been lacking motivation or real incentive to actually hit the books hard this past week. Well, that and being sick isn't really conducive to quality studying. I realize that doing well should be incentive enough to stay on top of my studying, but in reality, I need some pressure to maximize my studying! Plus I just don't feel the information we are covering now is overly difficult....oh well. Hopefully something will click and let me get the ball rolling....tomorrow! That being said, the past few days have been really fun. On Thursday night a bunch of students from my class went and saw Inception in Simpson Bay. First off, it WAS a great movie, however, it was way over hyped for my liking. Yes, I will see it again, and I will buy it when I get back home, however, it was kind of hangover-esque in that everyone said it was amazing so it built up my expectations too much...oh well, still a good movie. Yesterday was another day filled with fun. We first had some pledge class team building at Mullet beach followed by cliff diving! I really wish my ankle wasn't messed up so I could have felt comfortable jumping yesterday...oh well, hopefully we'll go over break! There were 3 heights people jumped from. The first was 15-20 feet, the 2nd was 40 feet, and the 3rd was around 80 feet....crazy. We then had our initiation into the Sigma Chi Mu chapter of Phi Chi followed by dinner and drinks at Khush...it was a blast. I finally made it out to Tantra for the first time last night too. I had a blast but my ears are still ringing!

All in all it's been a real fun past few days. I'm thankful for the good friends I've made here so far. The number one thing to do if you want to be successful in med school is make good friends! Everyone studies, that's a given, but you have to have a release and people to take your mind off of everything.

Now....lets study....well, starting tomorrow!

Noxolo

and here comes the RAIN

For the past few days it has been nothing but bucket loads of rain here...and looking at the forecast, it doesn't look to get any better anytime soon! So for all of you who think that it must be nice to be living in St. Maarten right about now....well, think again! You're only missing out on flooded streets, leaky buildings, and always being wet. At least the beaches and amazing food haven't washed away, yet!

Noxolo

An eventful weekend

Between the AUC World Cup soccer tournament, Phi Chi's Wine and Cheese event, and the ICAN fundraiser there was plenty to do this weekend! All in all it was a good weekend...minus the bucket loads of rain that feel on and off. Needless to say I have a bunch of catching up still to do for this block, oh well, less than a month until 1st semester will be DONE!

Hello Monday

Noxolo

A new worthy addition to the med blogs I follow....go check out http://doccartoon.blogspot.com/ for some laughs

Noxolo

Block 3

All block 3 grades are back now....no complaints here. It's kind of crazy but I feel like I said the same exact thing after block one...and that seems like it was last week! Time flies by like crazy!

Also, I just got back from Zee Best with some friends....and again, it is great! So full, kind of tired, but it's back to the grind!

Noxolo

1 month, and 4 days....let the count down begin!

Block 3 is official OVER as of today....with that, Histology is a thing of the past! I managed to do really well in the class, but I won't be sad to no longer have to go to histo lecture! Tomorrow starts another new cycle...but in reality I'm already behind because of anatomy! I think it's time to buckle down, strap in,  and get ready for the last push of this last month or so!

Noxolo

Album of block 3

Riding with the King...Clapton and BB King! Histo is done! We thought we were going to get our grades back on Friday, but I guess we're not getting them until Monday or Tuesday now....don't ask. After another good 10 hours of studying today I will be DONE studying for block 3. Everything is going well so far but there is simply a ton of information! There are over 1300 slides for MCB and Anatomy combined....but if you thrown in all of the tutor slides it's closer to 2000!....I'm just glad histo is done...and knowing that this will all be done 30 hours from now!

On a good note...True Blood, Hung, and Entourage all have new episodes tonight! I was pretty bummed that entourage started 2 weeks ago and then took a week off! Oh well, it'll be a good night cap after a long day of studying!

Noxolo

LOCK DOWN

Block 3 is fast approaching and finally I feel the pressure. I think it's now officially time for lock down! 72 hours from now I will be done with Histology!....and then another 72 hours after that block 3 will be DONE!

Here we go....

Noxolo

wait, what happened these past 3 weeks!?

It seems like just last week I was worried about block 2, it came and went, and then I thought I had an eternity before block 3 would be here....wait, block 3 is in a week! These past 3 weeks have absolutely flown by and I have no idea how! I've stayed up on studying...well, for MCB and Anatomy at least! I'm thinking lock down will start tomorrow and i'll be back into the swing of block week...ie lots of studying, little sleeping, eating out...and then some more studying. Oh well I guess, it's all a day in the life.

Also, a good friend of mine is heading off to Ghana in August with Unite for Sight and is trying to raise money for the program. If you are interested in helping out, which I think you SHOULD, here is the link to his page...

Brandon's Unite for Sight Donations

Go check it out, it is a great program, and I'm sure he would appreciate all of the support!

Noxolo

A patient-ish experience

On Saturday our Phi Chi pledge class volunteered in Phillipsburg doing free HIV testing in conjunction with the SXM Aids Foundation. I thought it was a great event and am really glad I had an opportunity to be a part of it. I hope I can continue to work with the foundation in some way shape or form during my time in SXM.

World Cup

Since the World Cup has started it has served as a great study break/procrastination tool. These past few days have been pretty huge for this years world cup...first, the US makes it in on a late goal after 2 questionable calls nearly cost them from moving on! Now, France and Italy, the 2006 finalist are both going home before the knockout stage!....WOW...sports are so unpredictable.

Noxolo

Oh Block 3

We're a little over a week into our material after block 2 and I can already tell block 3 is going to be jam packed with a ton of information! Nothing is all that difficult but there is just a lot of it to know. I feel like I never update anymore...but really, there isn't all that much going on! There is class, sleeping, eating, studying.....a little world cup and that about sums it up. This past weekend on Friday night we had our fundraiser/social event for Phi Chi which went really well and on Saturday night I went out to dinner with a bunch of friends for my delayed birthday celebration...all in all, a great weekend. The only problem with a great weekend is that it usually means I got no studying done! Oh well, it was worth it. Plus, I more than made up for it, especially in anatomy, yesterday with a good 7/8 hours of studying.

I'll try and keep posting even if it's just to say nothings new...

Noxolo

Block 2

Block 2 grades are in...no complaints on my end. I'm pretty anxious to take a peak at the questions I missed because I felt pretty confident leaving 2 of the 3 tests....I guess time will tell. I think it's time to revert to the way I studied for block one....and by that I mean study everyday! Really though, every class, every day is the way to do well...at least for me.

So long to DR.CUMAB, Ray Beats Bad Men, Meat LOAF, and all the other great mnemonics....or at least so long for now.

Noxolo

It was a good run

These last few days have been beyond the norm. First, I had my bday, the world cup started, we had block 2 today, and I signed a lease for next semester!

I think block 2 went well, but we'll see after all the grades come back. I realized I got way to comfortable after doing really well on 1st block and found myself slacking on block 2....well, not slacking but just not putting in as much time as I had first block. However, I think having anatomy lab has a big part to do with that. After class from 8-1130 and then lab from 2-5 the last thing I want to do is study for a few more hours!

Oh World Cup!....it's kind of bitter sweet now for the simple fact that if I wasn't here in SXM right now I really wanted to be in South Africa for the world cup! I'm loving every minute here, but some of me really wishes I was back in Cape Town watching some soccer!

Finally....I don't have to worry about housing anymore! After a final run through with our owners we signed! The owners were extremely nice which helped alleviate some worry about signing on for a place that is double any rent I ever paid in MPLS! Arbor Estates is our new home....pool, 24 hour security, 5 min walk to school...what more could I ask for?

My bday was quite uneventful really since we had blocks today....lots of studying....a little USA/England soccer and that's about it! I'm planning on going out to dinner this weekend but we'll see what happens!

I think that's about all for now...back to classes tomorrow! It's only now that I can really appreciate the extra day we had off after block 1!

Noxolo

Nothing new on the home front

A week from now block 2 will be over with and I'll be a happy camper! Until then life=school and school=studying, therefore life=studying?

 This past Sunday we had our first mock anat practical. Essentially the TA's set up a bunch of questions for those in the class that wanted to come in and take a glorified practice test with test conditions. I thought it went well...or it went well for how much studying I had done, but there are obvious gaps that need to get filled this week!

Also, supposedly there was an earthquake here on Sunday? I don't believe it because I didn't feel a thing but I guess you never know!

Back to studying!

Noxolo

1 month down

Believe it or not, I've been in SXM for just over a month! On one hand it seems like it has gone by really fast, yet at the same time I would have sworn it's been a year! My life is made up of school, sleep, a little bit of food, and even less gym time. Since we started anatomy lab it seems like the days just drag on and on. The worst part about lab days is that by the time you are done with classes for the day all you want to do is go home, grab some food, and relax....but that's not an option. Another week and a half until block 2!

Noxolo

and it begins again...

Block 1 is done, grades came out, I did well on all 3 tests so no complaints. I figured this would be the point I would tweak my study habits to accommodate and readjust to what I feel needed to be changed but really...I think ill just keep it the same! It's kind of crazy but block 2 is just around the corner even though we just finished block 1. Oh well, back to studying....every subject, every day!

Noxolo

BLOCK 1 IS DONE

As of about 1130 today...block 1 is done! The morning had some ups and a few downs but time will tell. We got our MCB grades back already...I did pretty well. I'm not really looking forward to getting Embryo back though....time shall tell.

I don't know what i'm more excited for, not having to study for a day and a half, or actually being able to go outside in the beautiful weather instead of just looking at it!

Noxolo

First Block

2 hours from now I will have started my first block...wow. This past month has gone by really fast, but this past week has gone by even faster. Im really looking forward to getting the first block under my belt and there are already a few things i'll be changing for next block but I'll detail that tomorrow maybe.

Wish me luck!

Noxolo

White Coat

Last night our classes white coat ceremony and it was a pretty darn good time. The whole white coat ceremony  symbolizes our transition into "doctors in training." There were speakers, and more speakers, and then some more, but finally we got to read the oath and walk across stage and awkwardly try to have someone else put our white coat on for us. All in all, I thought it was a good ceremony and was just another thing that kind of clicked and made me really realize what I'm doing....I'm going to become a doctor! After the ceremony we headed out to Bliss for some dinner and good times.

I'm a huge fan of people watching and boy where there a bunch of people to see. It was a really good time and i'm really thankful for having a bunch of really cool people in our class...365 class days until 5th semester!...but more importantly, 9 days til our first block exam!

Noxolo

Zing Zang Zoop

Just like that...the weekend is gone and another week has started. Although we've had 4 days of class I feel like i've studied for a semesters worth of material....crazy. On one hand, it's a ton of information and I know we are just getting into it, but on the other hand I really enjoy learning about everything ...at least for now. Another day of lecture down, 2 more to go before we get Thursday off for an island holiday. I'm not really sure what the reason is but hey, it's a day off to study/go to the BBQ at the beach! Friday we have white coat which should be a good time as well. The whole thing is getting put on a webcast and once I get an email about the web address I'll be sure to pass it along.

With the whole theme of new things....new school...new island....new friends....I decided to try something new to me...Sushi! It was actually really good! I'm a pretty picky eater but I would definitely go back for more given the chance!

Noxolo

here we go

After 3 days of class the first weekend comes....where do I find myself? Hello library....16 days til our first block!

Noxolo

I guess this IS what I wanted...

For the past month i've been looking forward to some structure and a routine back...I guess here it is:

645-wake up and work out
8-class
1130-lunch
12-study
5-snack/kick it
7-study
11-sleep

After the first few days I think I can say all is going well. It's nice to have a solid group of people around me and a plan of attack for all this info. It also doesn't hurt to take study breaks over looking the ocean and watching planes take off in the distance.

I can't believe it's already Friday tomorrow! It marks 1 week that I've been here....it seems like it went by really fast, but at the same time a whole bunch has happened since then!

Noxolo

First day

The wait is over, the hype has come and gone...1st day done and from here on out I can kiss it all goodbye. For all the hype I threw at it, the first day went well. Heck, after class, some lunch, and a few hours of studying/note prep I even found something real fun to do from my place: watch the planes take off! I was outside on the balcony just hanging out looking over some notes when all of a sudden I swore I saw a huge kite....nope, it was a plane. I have a real nice view of the planes that take off, they head toward the mountain, and then bank real hard. Plus, today is probably the nicest day since i've been here. A nice breeze, sun, not too humid....perfect!

Noxolo

Here and there it all comes together

Little by little I think I know my way around SXM, or a good chunk of it. I still am amused by how much bigger the island is than I had imagined. Yet, I still don't know if it's because of the bad traffic, worse drivers, crazy roads, or just the never ending beautiful things around? Yesterday we were able to register, pick up stuff from Note Service, and get our financial aid checks back. Today I was able to get my chippie sim card so i'm finally up and running on the island with a phone...feels good! After a long day of presentations/meetings I'm kind of tired, but there really is no reason! I think i'll blame it on the humidity and leave it at that!

Orientation tomorrow, an island tour, and a little mixer action at night....I can't believe school is about to start in a few days!

Noxolo

Welcome to the past 36 hours...

So I guess blogger doesn't like to upload my pictures...hmm. I threw some of my room/apt and sunset bay up on flickr. You can check them out here!

I guess a recap of the past day or so is in order....

Yesterday I flew out of MSP at 520 am...yippee. After $200 in an extra baggage charge I was all ready to go...and hoped my bags had the same idea. The flight from MSP to ATL wasn't too bad. It was right around 3 hours and seemed to go quite quick. Since I booked my tickets so far in advance I picked all my seats and thus had the first row of general seating for both flights. I don't know what it is about flying out of MSP early in the morning but I always seem to have "someone" on the flights. When I went to South Africa it was Rev Run, and this flight it was Tubby Smith. After we got to ATL I had a nice little chat with Tubby about gopher basketball and such....and then I also found out his brother in law is a pediatrician? Hmm

I was kind of nervous about my ATL connect because it's a darn big airport plus it's under construction. I initially thought I was going to have to go from Terminal A all the way down to E (which would mean a really long walk followed by a 20 min train ride and then another really long walk). Crazy thing is, our flight came in 30 min early and they sent us to E terminal ....it worked out perfectly.

Next I was on my way to SXM finally. Again, not a bad flight....around 4 hours or so. I did a little sleeping, prepped my paper work for immigration and watched some movies/TV. It was actually really nice, like our SA flights, with TV's in all the seat backs.

All in all the SXM airport arrival went pretty smooth. Well, as smooth and quick something in SXM can be. The immigration likes were kind of long and of course I picked the SLOWEST line possible. A couple of old guys behind me kept complaining about it and what not, no worries. After finally getting through...with no issues mind you, I kept my fingers crossed when I went for my bags. Crazy thing...I had all 3 of my bags within 3 min of standing at the carousel!

Somehow I managed to carry all my crap out into this hot sticky mess that is SXM weather. First person I see outside the airport is a taxi driver...perfect. I tell him I'm heading to AUC in Cupecoy and he puts on a huge smile.

Him: "Oh, so you're going to be a doctor huh?"
Me: "Yup, that's the plan"
Him: "What kind? A gynocologist?" (laughing hysterically mind you)
Me: (fake laugh) "ugh, I don't know, maybe peds?"

Awkward........

After the taxi to school I checked into the guard shack, got my packet and keys and headed up. I was really pumped that 1.) the room was REALLY cool from the AC and 2) it's really nice! No more than 5 min later C and his rents showed up. We then headed out to the store to pick up some groc. At the first place we stopped a 50 pack of paper plates was $16...HA...no thanks. We ended up finding a nice place on the other side of the airport with some good stuff and decent prices. After that we ran back to the apt to drop things off and then headed out to their resort. SXM is a lot bigger than I thought it'd be! It seemed like it just kept going and going and going..but then again, I think it could also have to do with the 1 main road, winding hills, and "slow" speeds..and slow is a relative term. Once we got to their resort we hit up the happy hour, on the beach, over looking the ocean...perfect? Pretty much....

We then headed back to campus, swung in and grabbed some dinner, yum, and then hit up Atlantis for a bit. I'm pretty pumped for the TV's with all the sports on there...looks like I won't be needing a TV.

I headed back home around 9 and started unpacking....boo. I went and kicked it with F and R for a bit and then headed to bed after a LONGGG day...but it was a good one.

This morning I got up, showered, (pleasantly surprised by the shower quality) and then kept unpacking crap. C and the rents came and swooped me and we headed out to Sunset beach for lunch/watch planes fly in. It's one of those places that you see on "Top 10 Carib Beach" shows on the travel channel...and rightfully so. The planes fly in real low, RIGHT over top the beach...check out the pics I put up on flickr.

Again, per usual, the food was great and I'm pretty pumped to go back with my legit camera gear and not my point and shoot to take some pics. After lunch I finished unpacking and just wrote this blog....welcome to the past 36 hours of my life.

Noxolo

I made it

It's been a long day to say the least but I'm here, in one piece....plus all of my luggage! I'll try and throw up a post with pictures tomorrow. Time for some much needed rest!

Noxolo

So long

So long MN, see ya in 8 months or so! It's been a long time coming and it's finally here. The plane leaves in 8 hours.....wish me luck.

Noxolo

Looks like Atl is going to suck

After looking at my Atl connect tomorrow it looks like it's going to be a bigger mess than I anticipated. They are in the middle of a new international terminal so all of the international flights are going out of their domestic spots. It's going to be crowded and I have a hike from terminal A to E which includes a train ride. I guess here we go....

That was a joke

So much for 2 checked bags and 2 for carry on....thanks delta for the exorbitant over weight charge of $90 per bag....I think i'd rather take the $125 bill for my 3rd bag!

Noxolo

The Ultimate Packing List

My attempt to document everything that I have packed in 4 bags ( 2 check and 2 carry on)

Let's see.....

-T-shirts
-1 long sleeve shirt
-2 hoodies
-work out clothes
-dress clothes (shirt, tie, pants, shoes, suspenders!)
-rain coat
-2 pillows
-twin xl sheet set
-a blanket
-camera bag with all of my gear and gadgets
-tripod
-monopod
-pictures
-external hard drives
-computer
-AUC/Finaid paper work
-school supplies (3 hole punch, G2 pens, pencils, sharpener, colored pencils, tape, note cards, post it notes, sketch books, computer paper)
-First Aid 2010 (binding removed, 3 hole punched, and in a binder)
-BRS anat
-planner
-calendar
-wall clock/alarm clock
-some food goodies
-power strip
-Brita with extra filters
-all my bathroom gear
-hair clippers
-shower curtain
-shower rings
-bathroom rug
-non latex gloves....they're nitrile I think?
-all my ICM gear since i'm not coming back before 2nd semester...or that's the plan atleast
-a few hats
-some shades
-sandals, crocs, shoes...you know
-towels (beach and bath)
-my sigg water bottle
-some dvd's and cd's

I THINK that's all..? Regardless, I don't think I could pack anymore even if I needed too! I'll be sure to edit if I find some more when I unpack in 24 hours!

All packed up....kind of

As of today, yes 3 days before I fly out, I am packed...well minus my computer and necessities but you get the point. I really don't know how people do it...and by it I mean pack their lives up into a few measly bags and move away. Two stuffed full bags to check, my camera bag, and my messenger bag are the only things going with me...weird. For the past 4 years I simply moved from place to place accumulating more things as I went. A trip home here and there without taking anything back really adds up! I still can't believe how fast this past month has gone. I feel like i've been more "busy" with no work than I ever was since graduation a year ago, oh well, it's almost time.

This past weekend in MPLS was good per usual and i'm glad I had one last goodbye to the place. PS I REALLY hope I can find a Big Buck Hunter Safari in SXM...

Friday at this time I should be moved into the apt...crazy

Noxolo

I feel old

Since 830 yesterday morning i've been walking around the U of M campus meeting with friends and just taking it all in for the last time for a while. It's spring jam weekend, the weather is questionable at best, and I feel old. The student body as a whole seems real young....or I'm just old..well as old as a 22 year old can be. I think it's kind of crazy how much disconnect I feel from a majority of a campus that I knew inside and out only a few months ago. I guess we'll see how the last spring jam shindig goes...I guess it only makes sense that I came in with a rainy spring jam so I might as well go out with one as well!

Noxolo

jeez

Kind of crazy....1 week + 6 hours i'll be flying out of MPLS!? It's amazing how fast this past month has gone!

Off to MPLS tomorrow bright and early for good byes and Spring Jam fun!...and maybe some picture editing catch up?! I guess we'll see...

Noxolo

Kiva

Go check out Kiva.org ! I just made my 10th and 11th loan this morning. It's really easy to do and a great way to help support others trying to do something with their lives. If you have any questions let me know!

Noxolo

Sheets...ugh

Apparently every store packs up there Twin XL sheets unless it is time to go back to school! This is pretty unfortunate for those of us who need them at other times throughout the year and really don't want to buy online....oh well. After checking out Shopko, Target, Kohls, and JCP I gave up, caved in, and visited my buddy Amazon and ordered a set.

15 days from now i'll be waiting in Atlanta....oh boy.

Noxolo

AUC Housing

Just got my email from MEAS and it looks like I landed on campus housing! I already had a roommate set up, but I was a littler nervous making sure that we got together. I'm glad to report that it all worked out perfectly and come April 30th when I arrive on campus I'll have a room waiting for me. Pictures will come once I get down there and get settled in.

Noxolo

The E and T 24 hour MPLS adventure

This past weekend, well...from 12pm Saturday to 12pm Sunday E and I went up to the cities for the Nursing Formal. Who would have guessed that 24 hours could produce many great stories?

1. E, M, and I went to Annie's to grab some lunch as soon as we got up to the cities. After an hour or so of waiting for our food our waitress came out and said our meals were all comp'd! The place was packed with people when we got there and throughout the time we were there, but still...over an hour for our food? I blame it on my deluxe grilled cheese!

2. Nursing formal was a good time. It's always a little interesting when you know less than 5 of more than 100+ people but it all turned out well. We took a boat out on the Mississippi for dinner, drinks and dancing...I'm a big fan. It really reminded me of the AXO boat party last year...good times.

3. After formal we went out in dinkytown...it was awkward. Since I've moved away from the cities it's been weird going out on campus. I was so used to knowing a bunch of people no matter where we went, but now it's just not the case. It was really good to see some friends I haven't seen in a while, and really weird to see some of my old NSW leaders and some students I had for NOL a few years back. Talk about making you feel real old...

4. After a long day/night a little Mesa pizza night cap with E and MZ was in store. After a 10 minute wait 2 of my favorite Mesa slices were done. After I paid for E and I we walked out the door. 2 steps out some jerk off grabs my pizza and runs. 2 seconds later another guy goes sprinting by...I looked at E...in shock we stood with no pizza, neither of us. Of the 30+ people standing outside Mesa with pizza or waiting, why did WE get jacked!? WHO DOES THAT? So long $12 worth of pizza. After standing for a minute in shock I went back into Mesa and let them know what happened just in case it kept happening...low and behold we got another 4 slices for free, but in reality I think we both had spent enough money there over the years to warrant 4 free slices. It still blows me away that 2 college punks jacked our pizza...really? I was kind of ashamed that they probably went to my UG, but at the same time, after it happened about 10 people offered us their pizza so it all evens out I guess..?

All in all, a good 24 hours in MPLS

Walking on air

Last week I copied E and got some new kicks....loving them. They are super light and I dig them.

And so it begins

3 weeks and counting....

As of a week ago I am done with "work" for quite some time. It's a weird feeling.....so much to do, I seem to do so little, and yet the days still fly by.

A little wrap up of that past few weeks: As of a few weeks ago I finished up at Rochester Title and started back at IBM. I contemplated doing the whole work 2 full time jobs idea again but thought better of it and am thankful I did. I have tons of respect for those that work 2 full time jobs, and do them with a smile day in day out....a lot of people in this world could take a note from their book! It was a little different leaving RT....I had worked there for the past 6 months even though when I signed on I thought it would be a more short term gig. It was nice to get into a regular routine, something I really haven't had in quite some time, especially during college. It was kind of a false goodbye since I know I'll swing back in there sometime soon before I head out!

Leaving IBM on the other hand was a different story. I've worked at IBM for the past 4 years or so on and off. What started out as a summer job turned into a summer, winter break, spring break, and after graduation job...thus has led to about 4 different good bye's...or times where I NEVER thought I'd be going back! It was weird knowing that last Friday would be the last time I'd see a lot of people I've gotten to know over the years. My time at IBM gave me a ton of things. Not only was it a solid work experience with good pay, but it really opened my eyes up in a sense. Over the past 4 years I've learned some pretty cool things....

Things I've learned at IBM:
-some Somali, Swahili, Arabic, Ethiopian, and a handful of tribal languages
-about Darfur and East African Refugees struggle coming to the US
-a lot about the Muslim religion and way of life
-the Somali culture
-everyday struggles by those who gave up everything to move here for an opportunity
-along with countless other things...really, it was a job that was more than a work experience

The last day of the quarter a bunch of the Somali ladies at work decided to throw a little dinner party since it was the last day and let me tell you, it reminded me of home stay dinners in South Africa sooo much! Tons of great food, Somali donuts aka fat bread from SA, and lots of people just enjoying the food and the company.

I'm really going to miss that place and the people there....

Noxolo

They took my money!

So I noticed a few days ago my housing deposit check cleared...I hope this only means I got on campus housing! Time will tell however. We were told we should hear back a 2 weeks before schools starts! I guess as of now work has kept me busy...and thus packing/prep has fallen to the way side. I had started to skim through BRS anatomy but decided to toss it aside for some pleasure reads. I figured I would have enough time to read all about anatomy/anything med in a month or so!

Noxolo

Odds and ends

As of a few days ago a bunch of my ICM equipment came in. It's good to have it, but a little weird too. Well, first it's weird because I really don't need any of this stuff until 2nd semester, however, I'm not planning on coming back to the states in between 1st and 2nd semester so I figured I'd rather pack it with me now than worry about shipping it all to SXM. It's also a little weird because the whole med school thing is kind of sinking in now. Only a month and a half away....crazy.

Another thing I jumped the gun about....step 1 prep! I picked up with 2010 First Aid book last week as well in my big med school buying frenzy and decided to make it my own yesterday. I had heard that it's nice to be able to add in your own pages and write all over it as you go through basic sciences so I did a little chop shop work on my copy. I decided to take it to Staples and have them remove the binding, I three whole punched everything, and then threw it in a big ol binder. Hopefully this will work out as I envision it......

I think that's all for now on the whole med school tip....

Noxolo

10/10/10 SXM Independence!?

Wrong...I'll admit that I was a little uneducated about this whole thing and took what I heard at face value but here is a great post about the whole proceedings by another AUC student.

http://www.caribbeanmedstudent.com/2010/03/11/is-st-maarten-becoming-independent/

Check out the rest of his blog too. It is hands down one of the best med school blogs I have found.

Noxolo

Congrats to the 2010 match

Congrats to those who found out they matched today! I've heard a lot of great matches, some expected, some not, but none the less, they are still matched! It's good to know that after years of hard work you still get paid off in the end. Although a lot can change between this match and when I will hopefully match in 2014 it's good to see solid matches. In fact, there were quite a few Canadian matches through CARMS..even a plastics match at U of T I believe. Needless to say plastics is a hard match for ANY med grad, but even more so for a caribbean grad going back to Canada.

In the end it's hard work and step scores that get you the interviews, but it's your personality/character that carries you through the match.

Noxolo

48 days and counting

48 days from now I'll hopefully be in SXM, moved in, trying to acclimate myself to my surroundings. I started packing today, or started really thinking about what I need to pack, and what I would like to pack....big issue for me. I tend to over pack and bring a lot of things that I just do not need. I'll work on my official packing list as time goes on but there are a few things that I can not go without. First, I love my G2 fine point pens. I refuse to use any other if I have a choice and I will be backing a fare share to go. The way I look at it I have 3 bags to get all the crap I want down there. I'll check 2 bags, one being a suitcase and the other being a travel pack. Then I also get 2 bags to carry on....or 1 bag and 1 "personal" item. I'll pack up my timbuk2 with the computer/hard drives/school supplies and then my personal item will be my camera bag. Needless to say I'll have my share of gear and will probably end up shipping down a box before I head down with random other non necessity items. That is all for now!

Noxolo

Let the buying begin

As of now my plan is to stay down in SXM between 1st and 2nd term. This may change, but I have a feeling 2+ weeks in SXM to just relax would be pretty nice...plus it would save me from buying another $700 plane ticket! Therefore, I need to bring down my things for ICM, clinical med class, now, opposed to in between semesters. As of last night I started buying everything I should need...with my stethoscope being the big purchase. Many hours went into picking the one I wanted but at the end of the night I am now a proud owner of a Littmann Cardiology III scope....and by owner I mean it's on it's way from allheart.com! Pretty excited since now it kind of feels official. Anyways, $500 later I have a whole bunch of presents coming next week to be excited for.

Noxolo

How are you finding me!?

So I haven't really given my blog link to anyone, yet slowely people are popping up on my map! Who are you and how'd you find me? I guess the reason I haven't given my link to anyone is because who likes to go to a blog with only a few posts? Not this guy, i'll tell you that! Maybe i'll have to start tossing it out there now. The count down continues, only 1 2/3 months before I fly out of MPLS to ATL to SXM! 3 1/2 more weeks of work, lots of packing to be done, and even more things to wrap up in Roch...this time is going to fly!

Since i'm on here anyways....the only thing I am waiting for on the school end of things is my housing. I'm sure many people think that's kind of a big deal, but i'm not too worried about it. Being in the May class, which is also the smallest class, I think there will be plenty of campus housing. Plus, I think we have some older, non traditional students in our class who I am assuming are not going to live on campus. In the facebook group someone said that we should hear by middle of March...AKA very soon.

Noxolo

Thank you for aiding me financially US Govt

A few days ago I got word that all of my financial aid paperwork had been received and processed by AUC and that I just needed to check back with my mistress, I mean lender, Sallie Mae to ensure everything was good to go. After a 2 second freakout of what if my loans didn't get approved, I checked, and everything was approved and just waiting for disbustment...yippee for loads of debt. Also, all of my temp residency permit paperwork and health clearance forms were received...minus having a crappy passport copy and needing to email that yesterday...all is good. I was a little worried since a few other people had a bad experience with getting their things to MEAS, or them being received by MEAS, but I can't complain. That's all for now...I'll probably start looking at what I need to buy soon enough and keep y'all informed on the med school tip.

Noxolo

Music on humpday

Just listening to the new Gorillaz album....Plastic Beach...and I dig it. It's got a good feel and is easy listening...maybe i'll edit later with my favorite track. Get at the album if you know whats good for you.

Noxolo

edit...maybe I spoke too soon. Overall the album is solid, but not all that great. Some solid tracks, some questionable ones.

Oh MPLS...

After getting a little food poisening from Chipotle...yeah blasphemy I know...I headed up to MPLS for the weekend. First things first, I got a new Tokina 10-17mm fisheye lens...I won't elaborate here but I will on my photo blog. Anyways....my big plans for the weekend: shoot lots of pictures, help out with a Nature of Life group interview, have a photoshoot, a little South Africa group reunion, and just kick it with some friends....needless to say there was lot's to get done! By Sunday night I think I had taken close to 15 gigs of pictures and accomplished everything on that list...go me.

Hmm...first off...South Africa reunion. It was really good to see some people I haven't seen in far too long! I really love seeing/hanging out with everyone I went to SA with...it's kind of a weird bond by experience thing...even if I haven't seen them in a LONG time...it just clicks. I'm really hoping to get another psuedo reunion or two in before I leave in a few months....I think we can get it done!

Oh Nature of Life...it's kind of crazy, but NOL has been a part of every single year I was in Undergrad...wow! It's kind of been my baby these past few years and I've done everything I could to mold it the way I saw fit...but now i'm done...or on the way out. It was good to help out with interviews and get my 2 cents in. I think after the interview it kind of set in that I'm not going to be up in Itasca for 2 weeks this summer...and it makes me sad. I may try and get a group of people to go up for a weekend in early april if I can...we'll see!

Life after college has been pretty mundane. Lots of work, a little fun, and even a little growing up? It's kind of scary how relationships have fallen to the way side...much like after high school...but i've kind of grown accustom to it. I've managed to stay in contact with a lot of people, but there are always some that fall out...if only there was a way to fix it. The thing is...with me moving out of the country for 20 months I can't imagine this situation getting any easier....

Finally...photography....well......go to the photo blog...im not going to double post!

Long story short, it was a good weekend, lots of fun...made me very tired but all is good!

PS I sent in the rest of my paper work last week Thursday I think it was...ie financial aid papers/health clearance forms/temp resident docs....2 months....

Noxolo

The Caribbean Med schools...holy #!$ there are a lot of them!

When it comes to Caribbean medical schools 2 things rule: 1. 50 state approval and 2. Title IV funding ie federal financial aid....period. These 2 things separate the top 3/4 schools from the more than 60 at the last count I believe. Caribbean schools are for profit schools so in the end, you get what you pay for to a certain extent in my opinion.

The top 3/4 schools break down as follows:

50 state approval:      
Saint George University (SGU)
Ross University
American University of the Caribbean (AUC)
Saba

Title IV funding:
SGU
AUC
Ross

In my opinion, all the other schools are negligible. Sure there may be some good schools with great doctors coming out of these schools, yet in the end of the day, 50 state approval is the BIGGEST thing to consider when going to an international medical school.

Within the big 3/4 there are also alot of other things to consider. I decided on AUC for a few reasons.
1. May start. It is quite common for the Caribbean schools to have 3 semesters for acceptance: May, Jan, and Aug. The May start gives me a little extra time to study for the USMLE steps and more time off for interviews.
2. Smaller class size. Compared to SGU and Ross, AUC has much smaller classes. If I had my choice i'd rather study within a class of 100 at AUC compared to 400-600 at SGU or Ross.
3. Cost. AUC and Ross have similar costs, yet SGU is a good 50-100,000 more over 4 years!
4. Island. AUC is located on Saint Maarten which is hands down the most developed of the islands...SGU on Grenada and Ross on Dominica.

And so it begins.....

In T minus 3 months i'll be heading down to Saint Maarten to start medical school at AUC (American University of the Caribbean). My goal is to turn this blog into my life blog, which in turn will be my medical school blog since that will be my life. I am going to try and document everything that is anything for who ever wants to read....family, friends, future students...who ever. Keep on the look out for everything that has led me to get to where I am now over the next few weeks. Why the caribbean, why AUC, and how I got to where I am now.

Noxolo

Really..we have nothing in common

As my work at IBM comes to an end I figured I would take a look back over these past 6 weeks and try and figure out where all the time went. It really wasn't that long ago that I was dreading going back. Did I really want to work 2 jobs? No. Was it worth it? Yes. Over the past 6 weeks I have worked a total of 455 hours, averaging 75.833 hours a week between both jobs. Now that it's coming to an end I can't wait to go back to a 40 hour work week and the vacation it will seem like I am on! It took a matter of days back at IBM to get back in the swing of things even though I hadn't worked there in a year and a half! Now, it is all just a routine. Wake up, work, drive, work, drive, sleep, repeat. I enjoy the structure but it really is an overload. Doing this for the past 6 weeks makes me really envy those who do this everyday. I've enjoyed expanding my languages to a decent amount of Somali and a small amount of Swahili. It always amazes me how so many people can speak 2,3,4,5+ languages!

This week however there are only a couple of us at work. I thought it would be okay, but really it makes it feel like we shouldn't be there! Anyways, this has given me some time to get to know another person I work with quite well. I find myself to be a very open minded person who gets along with just about everyone. Yet, I think I may have found a person who falls into the very small amount of people I do not see eye to eye with. It's not that we arn't civil, or can't be friends, yet we are polar opposites on very fundamental issues. I kind of pride myself on the amount of people I know, my network, and how expansive it really is, yet I have never come across a single person whos views are so different than mine. I find it semi frustrating but only because I can not change any views. I know where I sit on a lot of things, especially things that are the foundation of who I am as a person, yet others don't....hmm

More to come later maybe.

Noxolo

Brrr

Finally...FINALLY...after a few weeks of bitter cold weather it is starting to warm up! Mind you, when I say warm up I mean it was 10 degrees above 0 on my way to work this morning! More good news: this is my last week working 2 jobs, 70+ hours a week! Starting next week I will be down to the good ol 40 hour work week with a life and friends and time to myself! This is a big deal! My photography has been progressing nicely and I am in the midst of a few photo projects which can be seen over at tbrinkmanphotography.blogspot.com. Another Monday, 1/3 of the way complete...come this time next week it will be 1/2 complete! :)

Noxolo

what are you listening to!?

I think music is great...really great. Most people say they listen to "all types" of music...really...do you? Well, I do! Today I really couldn't figure out what I wanted to listen to...so I made it a Girl Talk day!...Girl Talk is essentially a bunch of songs mixed together to create a new song. It's something different and really up beat. Only 19 more hours of work before the weekend! BOOM!

Noxolo

Just another day

I realize I live in Minnesota, and Minnesota is cold, but it has been really cold lately. So cold that I don't know if I've seen a positive number on my cars outside temp reader. It kind of amazes me how the days and weeks all kind of blend together when you work a 9-5..or for me right now a 8am-11pm. Every day is pretty much the same...or as a friend of mine put it yesterday, "same soup, just reheated." Now I think I understand why people who hate their day jobs pretty much hate life. Although I'm not in love with either of my jobs right now I am thankful that I have a job, let alone 2! New years resolution #1: make each day unique. For how much a routine can be comforting it can also be suffocating.

I have also decided to move my photography portion of this blog to a blog in and by itself:

http://www.tbrinkmanphotography.blogspot.com/

I decided to move it since I want a blog dedicated to photography only..and tbrinkmanphotography was still open !

In med school news I got a call today from AUC saying that I need to send another science proffesor LOR. Seriously....AUC was my #1 choice but these bs hoops are getting old. I was told by my advisor that the 2 I sent were fine...but now I guess they arn't and the committee wants another letter! I was initially hoping to get accepted before my Ross interview in Colorado so I could cancel the Ross interview but it looks like I'm heading to CO on Feb 4th. I spent a little time looking at flights today and they arn't as bad as I thought they would be. I can leave on the 4th from Rochester and come back to Minneapolis that same night for $215! We'll see what I end up going with!

Other than that not a whole lot is new. I went through all my old college stuff this past weekend and wow do/did I have a ton of stuff. It's a good project to have finished and am glad I actually took the time to do it even though it took ALL weekend! Only 8 more days working both jobs...yippee!

Noxolo

BOOM...welcome to 2010

Yeah, I know I'm a day late but hey..it's the thought that counts! So, the whole killer work weeks are finally done; now I'm back to ONLY 14 hour days for a few weeks..boo. It has been really nice to have these past few days off from anything work related but I always seem to get myself into something that I don't have enough time for. Of course I decided to dig out all of my clothes/college crap and re organize and throw away a bunch of it...and lets just say I have a metric ton of stuff! Oh, plus my new camera flash came in, canon speedlite 430ex II with diffuser and my lowepro lens pocket as well! I'm thinking Monday will be the day for my 77mm B+W Kaesemann Circular Polerizer filter CAN NOT WAIT! I'm already looking forward to next weekend, hopefully it won't be as cold as this weekend, to have everything cleaned and organized around here so I can get out and shoot a few hundred pictures or so! What's the point of having all of this amazing gear if I have no time to shoot!? I'm still working on new years resolutions but im sure they will be good. I think instead of giving something up I will aim to do something daily/weekly. I think taking a vitamin, working out, and shooting pictures are good one's but we shall see. Back to cleaning and the MSU vs Texas Tech game...go BIG 10!

Cheers