Friday, 10 May 2013
Thursday, 9 May 2013
Almost another semester done!
As I sit on my bed eating yogurt and fruit at midnight studying for a cumulative final in pharmacology, I find myself smiling for some odd reason. Since August, I have been a bowl of emotions that I cannot even describe. I have been nervous when starting, meeting new people and even felt nausea walking into exams. I have been hysterical, joyous for passing when I thought I failed and devastated/numb when I really do fail. I have been sad, I have been overwhelmed and I have been humbled.
Overall, the last semesters at Western University Health Sciences have helped me grow as an individual professionally and personally. Today, in class we calculated how many people were accepted into our class in comparison to the applicants. We were the lucky 5% that got a seat in the class of 2014. Although, it has been a struggle and I've wanted to throw in the towel more than once, I am thankful and excited to start rotations soon. I have received so much support in this journey and words will never be able to express my gratitude. I will express it when the day comes to enter the community as a PA and I will promise to be one kick-ass PA.
We have received our clinical rotations track after ranking 113 tracks and it is all coming together.
Picture below, is Erica and Nina heading out for there last POP/OSCE..for now.
Overall, the last semesters at Western University Health Sciences have helped me grow as an individual professionally and personally. Today, in class we calculated how many people were accepted into our class in comparison to the applicants. We were the lucky 5% that got a seat in the class of 2014. Although, it has been a struggle and I've wanted to throw in the towel more than once, I am thankful and excited to start rotations soon. I have received so much support in this journey and words will never be able to express my gratitude. I will express it when the day comes to enter the community as a PA and I will promise to be one kick-ass PA.
We have received our clinical rotations track after ranking 113 tracks and it is all coming together.
Picture below, is Erica and Nina heading out for there last POP/OSCE..for now.
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
Study Break
My mom's view of California is Little Saigon in Westminster, CA. All she wants to do is go look at all the dehydrate varieties, teas, food and buy knick knacks. But the California I love is different. It was nice to show her the beauties of California through my eyes. My favorite place in LA: Griffith Park.
We went on a "short" hike to the Hollywood sign and back to the observatory. My favorite part of hiking is feeling irrelevant in this world. No matter what is going on in life, once you start following what seems to be a never-ending trail, you realize how small you really are in comparison to the world. Just got to keep moving forward and eventually, get to your destination. We got lost getting to the car, had to go over some extra hills but eventually got there.
We went on a "short" hike to the Hollywood sign and back to the observatory. My favorite part of hiking is feeling irrelevant in this world. No matter what is going on in life, once you start following what seems to be a never-ending trail, you realize how small you really are in comparison to the world. Just got to keep moving forward and eventually, get to your destination. We got lost getting to the car, had to go over some extra hills but eventually got there.
Friday, 26 April 2013
surreal
I can't believe the time has come to start planning my clinical rotations. Not too long ago, my family came down for white coat ceremony. I remember freaking out about learning how to take blood pressure, web camming with my study buddy and taking my first finals. Now, it is time to enter the workfield and use my new skills. Today, I will test them out doing sports physical screenings at a school. I don't even know how to do one...I guess I will have to fake it until I make it.
The future is unknown and it is scary but exciting at the same.
PA year 2 is just around the corner. Definitely been a memorable 2013 so far.
The future is unknown and it is scary but exciting at the same.
PA year 2 is just around the corner. Definitely been a memorable 2013 so far.
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
FU-GU
Genitourinary and endocrine system you are finished!!! The kidneys are pretty amazing at how they filter components through your body.
Fun fact: you don't get symptoms of renal failure until 70% of your kidneys are gone. That means you can pretty much survive with a partial of one kidney!!!
It was very difficult adult medicine exam today but the highlight would be picking up a pair of boxing gloves and [attempt] beat the crap out of the bag today. It got a couple shots at me especially when I had to knee it. First time in awhile I pushed myself to puking status. Well, the studying doesn't end...quiz tomorrow in Pediatrics.
Just a few more weeks....
Fun fact: you don't get symptoms of renal failure until 70% of your kidneys are gone. That means you can pretty much survive with a partial of one kidney!!!
It was very difficult adult medicine exam today but the highlight would be picking up a pair of boxing gloves and [attempt] beat the crap out of the bag today. It got a couple shots at me especially when I had to knee it. First time in awhile I pushed myself to puking status. Well, the studying doesn't end...quiz tomorrow in Pediatrics.
Just a few more weeks....
Monday, 22 April 2013
Semi- homestretch
There is about four weeks of this second semester left and I cannot believe how fast time has flown by. This past school year has definitely been a time in my life that will stand out beyond the rest.. for now. Besides all the knowledge of the human body, diagnoses, symptoms, and treatments, I have learned immensely about myself. I've learned to sit back, enjoy the loops, turns, upside down and drops of the rollercoaster because eventually, it will stop and you will hop off. There is no knowing the future but just trying to stomach all the turns as best as you can. Learn, laugh, and love everything you do, even if the week is full of exams, quizzes, papers and the stars aren't lining up. That's what I have learned this year. Stay positive, look forward.
TLB out!
TLB out!
Thursday, 4 April 2013
allergies: Penicillin
WHY DO I ALWAYS CHOOSE THE PENICILLIN DRUG WHEN THEY ARE ALLERGIC on a pharm exam??
Fingers crossed I don't do it with a real patient. :/
Fingers crossed I don't do it with a real patient. :/
Therapeutic
Writing gets me through the day. Lying in bed eating my toast and boiled egg with a cup of coffee before I leave for the day and study at the library.
On the agenda today:
Study, Adult Medicine quiz, Study, Pharmacology class then exam and the a night with a bottle of wine and myself and a couple ladies two floors down. It is a non-exciting day but I will be busy but for now I sit quietly in my room alone with my thoughts and the sound of cars driving by.
This journey has been full of ups and downs. I have felt all the emotions of life in such a short time: Happiness, laughter, fear, anxiety, pain, heartbreak, friendship, love, comraderie...Compared to my last life of working and gymming, this has been a rollercoaster but at least I feel alive.
Things I want to do within in the week:
- join the climbing gym
- paint on a canvas to fill my walls
- go for a run up a hill
- smile
On the agenda today:
Study, Adult Medicine quiz, Study, Pharmacology class then exam and the a night with a bottle of wine and myself and a couple ladies two floors down. It is a non-exciting day but I will be busy but for now I sit quietly in my room alone with my thoughts and the sound of cars driving by.
This journey has been full of ups and downs. I have felt all the emotions of life in such a short time: Happiness, laughter, fear, anxiety, pain, heartbreak, friendship, love, comraderie...Compared to my last life of working and gymming, this has been a rollercoaster but at least I feel alive.
Things I want to do within in the week:
- join the climbing gym
- paint on a canvas to fill my walls
- go for a run up a hill
- smile
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
2nd semester- the beginning of life lessons. Blogging 2.0
About 6 weeks of the semester left and it is going to take all my might to stay focus to end the semester as strong as I started. PA school has taught me so much so far and I still have much more to go. Not only have I learned the material presented in the classroom but also time management, building relationships and what is important in my life.
Although, I feel like this is a very selfish time in my life, I am beyond thankful that I have the support of family and friends in Oregon and California to help me through even when I am not the happiest, most patient, or fun individual to be around at times. Looking back on PA school so far I have come from a crying and stressed individual to someone who is just taking it day by day and exam by exam. There is no need to stress out on the little things in life because you never know what the future holds.
Each day instead of stressing, I will focus on doing something new and/or challenging for me so I can grow and learn each day. Yesterday, I joined Jo at a Yoga studio for intermediate yoga. Yup, I was the non-flexible tool in the corner falling off my mat and had one eye opened looking around if I was doing the poses correctly. Laugh, live and learn.
There is no need to stress because somehow and someday things will all fall into place and hopefully I can sit back and smile at how far we have all come.
Below is a picture of me observing as everyone stress crams.
Although, I feel like this is a very selfish time in my life, I am beyond thankful that I have the support of family and friends in Oregon and California to help me through even when I am not the happiest, most patient, or fun individual to be around at times. Looking back on PA school so far I have come from a crying and stressed individual to someone who is just taking it day by day and exam by exam. There is no need to stress out on the little things in life because you never know what the future holds.
Each day instead of stressing, I will focus on doing something new and/or challenging for me so I can grow and learn each day. Yesterday, I joined Jo at a Yoga studio for intermediate yoga. Yup, I was the non-flexible tool in the corner falling off my mat and had one eye opened looking around if I was doing the poses correctly. Laugh, live and learn.
There is no need to stress because somehow and someday things will all fall into place and hopefully I can sit back and smile at how far we have all come.
Below is a picture of me observing as everyone stress crams.
Saturday, 30 March 2013
Thursday, 28 March 2013
Thirsty thursday---for coffee and tea
These girls have helped me stay focused and get through one of the hardest weeks of my life.
Love them...even when they are stressed and grouchy.
Friends to the end.
Love them...even when they are stressed and grouchy.
Friends to the end.
Focus focus focus
No matter how many people you have in your life, no matter how many obstacles come by, you have to conquer the world the same way you came into it... alone. I love my friends who have been pushing me to stay focused in school when things get hard. I love my family for reminding me that I am loved.
Two more days of this crazy week...This week in PA school and in life will be one that I will never forget. For all the hardships and reminders that life is too short to get caught up in the little things that don't matter. Enjoy the small things in life that make you happy...like fruit with faces.
Apologies for the cryptic blogging.
Two more days of this crazy week...This week in PA school and in life will be one that I will never forget. For all the hardships and reminders that life is too short to get caught up in the little things that don't matter. Enjoy the small things in life that make you happy...like fruit with faces.
Apologies for the cryptic blogging.
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
I am Thuy- Linh...hear me roar!
Good morning world,
Another test day, another night of limited sleep but not because I stayed up studying but because my dreams were over tension headaches, seizures, comas, strokes etc...I subconsciously was quizzing myself things and finally, decided to wake up because I am sure the questions I were asking myself in my sleep were not all completely true. In my dreamworld, I ALWAYS get the right answers and we all know that is not the case in school.
Goal of the day: Stay positive, be punctual, present, proficient, prepared, THEN sweat off some excess energy.
Another test day, another night of limited sleep but not because I stayed up studying but because my dreams were over tension headaches, seizures, comas, strokes etc...I subconsciously was quizzing myself things and finally, decided to wake up because I am sure the questions I were asking myself in my sleep were not all completely true. In my dreamworld, I ALWAYS get the right answers and we all know that is not the case in school.
Goal of the day: Stay positive, be punctual, present, proficient, prepared, THEN sweat off some excess energy.
Saturday, 2 March 2013
Love the one you're with
I haven't written in awhile so when is a better time to write than during a procrastination period for Adult Medicine studying.
"They" said it would get easier and I was skeptical but surprise surprise, they were right. Second semester has somewhat been more enjoyable so far. Tests are still weekly, quizzes are tri-weekly but at this point it is automatic to just study, take it and not care. As long as you keep treading in the water, you will stay afloat. But the best way is to not tread alone. Link arms with others and tread, someone can help carry your weight if you cramp up. Love the ones you are with they understand you most, and luckily I love the girls I am with. Errday, same two rows, we sit, we laugh, we wine, we complain, and we teach each other the power of friendship.
Cheeseball alert but nice change up than the usual "i hate school" saga.
Survival tip for PA school--make life long friends. :)
"They" said it would get easier and I was skeptical but surprise surprise, they were right. Second semester has somewhat been more enjoyable so far. Tests are still weekly, quizzes are tri-weekly but at this point it is automatic to just study, take it and not care. As long as you keep treading in the water, you will stay afloat. But the best way is to not tread alone. Link arms with others and tread, someone can help carry your weight if you cramp up. Love the ones you are with they understand you most, and luckily I love the girls I am with. Errday, same two rows, we sit, we laugh, we wine, we complain, and we teach each other the power of friendship.
Cheeseball alert but nice change up than the usual "i hate school" saga.
Survival tip for PA school--make life long friends. :)
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
February 20---the day my brain explodes
Ever want to quit? Ever feel like throwing your laptop against the wall? Ever want to slam your head against the wall over and over again?
I do.
NOW.
Must be a Structure and Function exam day. Ironically, a class with no structure and slides that serve no function.
I do.
NOW.
Must be a Structure and Function exam day. Ironically, a class with no structure and slides that serve no function.
Monday, 28 January 2013
Because I don't want to study
Studying gastrointestinal for a weekend straight with one evening left before the exam. I am tireeeeeeddd in addition to going through a set of interviews in the morning with wide-eyed PA applicants. I just wanted to shake them and say NO turn around!
anyhoot, here is a lovely GI conversation between two delusional and tired PA students fourth week of second semester before an Adult medicine test.
me: In bed studying...lets see how long I last
Erica: Haha I jinxed myself because I am getting tired (she was telling me she studies in bed no problem)
Erica: Or should I say pooped lol...don't lie you laughed a little
me: A little??? How about laughed alot! you could say a diarrhea of laughter
Erica: HAHAHA! Don't hold those laughs in. It could cause you constipation of laughter.
The last couple weeks have been "know your sputum, know your shit." and..yes, we are getting to know our shit and so much more...I can just hope I know it enough to PASS!
Below is our first clinical skills something something. Jo was getting pimped!
anyhoot, here is a lovely GI conversation between two delusional and tired PA students fourth week of second semester before an Adult medicine test.
me: In bed studying...lets see how long I last
Erica: Haha I jinxed myself because I am getting tired (she was telling me she studies in bed no problem)
Erica: Or should I say pooped lol...don't lie you laughed a little
me: A little??? How about laughed alot! you could say a diarrhea of laughter
Erica: HAHAHA! Don't hold those laughs in. It could cause you constipation of laughter.
The last couple weeks have been "know your sputum, know your shit." and..yes, we are getting to know our shit and so much more...I can just hope I know it enough to PASS!
Below is our first clinical skills something something. Jo was getting pimped!
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
1/6 + !
Second SEMESTER!!! Just two weeks off from the potent smell of Pomona, California and I feel like a new person...but also a bit fearful of the tornado around the corner. Three weeks into the semester my colleagues/peers/some would call us friends, have taken a lighter approach to the semester. We are happier, watching more tv, working out more and studying probably not as much as we should...But quality of life, aye?
For the Second semester we promise to eat dinners together more, do more fun (groupon activties), celebrate more and enjoy the friendships we have formed through this semi-hellish/once in a life time (so we hope) experience.
Things to do this semester besides study..
- go to Sea World
-Temecula (Erica's bday)
-Vegas
-Disneyland
-Palm Springs/Palm Desert
---MIAMI sometime...
It's a rough PA-S life.
For the Second semester we promise to eat dinners together more, do more fun (groupon activties), celebrate more and enjoy the friendships we have formed through this semi-hellish/once in a life time (so we hope) experience.
Things to do this semester besides study..
- go to Sea World
-Temecula (Erica's bday)
-Vegas
-Disneyland
-Palm Springs/Palm Desert
---MIAMI sometime...
It's a rough PA-S life.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)