November

I cannot believe the semester is already coming to an end. This month flew by with having a week off for Thanksgiving. I didn't realize how much the break was needed. It was nice being able to go home and be with family. Before we left for break, a few of us got together to have a Friendsgiving. It's nice to know I have a home away from home within my classmates. I am truly grateful for each one of them and their cooking!

In class before the break, we had completed the pulmonary block. The amount of information you can pack into a week is quite impressive. Returning from break, we've gone straight into are on our last block-- GI/Neoplasia. I'm eager to finish strong and relax for winter break.

On a community service note, this past month has been my most packed. I continued volunteering at Edible schoolyard and KIPP. The week before break we took the kindergarten class out to the garden to help them identify crops. It was on one of the coldest days here in New Orleans, but the little ones did not care. They loved being outside in the garden even if they were shivering. Edible Schoolyard also had a celebration for its founders/staff/faculty/volunteers a couple of weeks ago. It was a lot of fun registering people and helping them find their seats/food. The event was so beautifully set up and on our breaks, we were even allowed to join in on the celebration! At KIPP, we have been helping organize the different books that have been purchased/donated to the school along with putting up bulletin boards.


Total Month hours: 12.25
Total Semester hours:  24

October

I can't believe another month has come and gone; although, I can't say I'm not thrilled by it. October was more challenging than expected month. In the program, 2/3 of the month was focused on physiology and the autonomic nervous system. Physiology has never been my strong suit, but I definitely would have not considered it one of my weaknesses until now. At the end of the block exam, I had felt a little devastated as I had not done as well as I would have liked; however, it was helpful to know some of my other classmates were eager to help me understand why I was wrong in certain questions. Outside of school, I continued to volunteer with Edible Schoolyard and KIPP leadership. In Kipp, a group of us were able to go around the school and fix bulletin boards, help put up new books, and clear up some of the storage areas. At Edible Schoolyard, I was able to participate in teaching the kindergarten class about zen and relaxation. Seeing the little ones, taking deep breaths and trying to do yoga poses was so adorable. They were also very excited to be able to pick a flower to take with them throughout the rest of the day. On a social note, Jen, Sanjeev, and I went to explore the pharmacy museum. It was so interesting to see how much treatments and drugs have changed. One of the things that stood out the most to us was the treatment for disfigured noses caused by syphilis.  One method was by taking a part of the forehead to make a new nose. Overall, October has been a whirlwind of a month, but I am excited for November (especially Thanksgiving).


Total month hours: 7.50

Total semester hours: 11.75 hours

September

I am always astonished at how fast time flies. It feels like just yesterday I was packing up to move from Austin to New Orleans, yet I am now officially one month into my Pharmacology program. This past month has been one of the most time consuming, but most fulling, months I've had in a while.

I began trying to balance living in a new city and all the information from class being thrown at us. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to make great friends who I was able to explore the city and study with. We had our first block exam a couple of weeks ago, and while there is room for improvement, I was pleased with my grades. We are now on our way towards our second block exam, and I am at a love/hate point with our grueling study sessions.

This month I also began volunteering for the Edible School Yard at Samuel Green Charter School. ESY focuses on using a garden to teach its students autonomy, hard-work, and working together. I was placed with the kindergarten and was reminded how much I love volunteering. The kids were so excited to learn how we taste food (grown from their garden) with the different parts of our mouth. Watching their faces as they ate lemons was probably the best moment of this month! I am excited to continue volunteering with them weekly. Besides ESY, I volunteered for the American Cancer Society by helping them set up for their 18th Annual Belles and Beaus Ball. Watching everyone work together for such a great event and seeing the Venue finished, made my Friday quite memorable!

I am excited to see what the next month brings!

September Service Hours: 4.25 hours

Total Service Hours: 4.25 hours