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Semester in review: Summer of year one


Passed all of the classes (whew!). Move out of my tiny studio (adios, bugs!). And said some tearful goodbyes (*sniffle*). My first semester of PA school is officially behind me, and wow, what a ride it was. I've decided to reflect on my amazing experience and share it with you. 

Don't stop being grateful. 

It's amazing to think about how competitive it is to get into PA school. I am dang lucky to be here right now, working my tail off for this degree. When the going gets tough, reminder yourself that there are tons of other people who would kill to be in your shoes. 

Dry shampoo was my best friend. 

On a slightly more lighthearted note, ain't nobody got time for washing their hair every day! Luckily, my school didn't have any dress codes so that means dry shampoo, yoga pants and the least amount of makeup I've worn since probably middle school! I also don't think I've worn my hair in a ponytail this much, maybe ever! But in all seriousness, you're so focused on school and studying that straightening your hair falls waaaay down the priority list. 

Anatomy will kick your butt. 

I knew anatomy was going to be hard. Nine weeks to dissect an entire cadaver? That's 3+ hours, 5 days a week for 9 weeks (and no, I never got used to the smell). Yes, anatomy is easily the strangest/coolest experience I have ever had (and I am forever grateful to our donor for giving us such a unique opportunity to learn). But, I don't think I've ever been so challenged by a course in my life. Between the content itself and the time dedicated in the lab, you will amaze yourself by how much you can learn in such a short amount of time. Which brings me to my next thought...

Don't get behind!

When you're going at warp speed all the time, there is no time to get behind. It's also important to know you're all in this together now (no more competing!) so rally your friends together and make a study group (we had a crew that would study in what we lovingly called the "Vegas Room" - there were no windows and time no longer mattered!). Grab a friend to go back to the lab and review, review, review. Believe me, everyone can use the extra practice and motivation to keep at it. 

...but do make time for yourself. 

A lot of my classmates took off Friday nights. While I didn't have a set day, I really did try to take some time to just enjoy or relax. It's amazing how guilty you can feel when you're doing anything but studying (definitely struggled with this a bit), but let yourself take some time to unwind so that you can get back to studying with a fresh mindset later. When I wasn't taking that time, it totally showed and I started to feel burned out and emotional. Know that breaks are good for your mental health!

It's amazing how much I've learned. 

We completed anatomy in 9 weeks. I learned how to do a complete history and physical exam. I've started to learn how to read EKGs! We've reviewed clinical medicine, gone into genetics, discussed inborn errors of metabolism, learned so many muscles and bones and vessels and nerves that it just blows my mind! All in just three months. Seriously, I'm just in awe about that.

I'm grateful for the support of my friends and family.

My grandpa drove nearly three hours round-trip to come and be my practice patient for my final Physical Examination test. My mom has helped me move in and out of my studio apartment. My youngest sister helped me get acclimated to the new city (and eased my fears about riding the city bus, ha!). My friends have visited me, sent me reassuring texts, and set up Google Hangout dates so we could catch up via video chat from afar. I can't express how much it meant that everyone has been so wonderful. I'm one heck of a lucky gal!

I've made some amazing new friends. 

This is the one that makes me so sad, honestly. Everyone in my class is amazing and I've made some really wonderful bonds with a whole bunch of them. Because I'm completing a Distance Education program, I won't be back with everyone in the fall, and that just kills me. I honestly didn't think I was going to feel this way, but I guess I didn't know I'd make such amazing friends over these past 3 months! So thank you to all my classmates for encouraging me, keeping me positive and motivated, and hanging out in the cadaver labs on Sunday mornings! Without you, I wouldn't be where I am right now. 

So, wow... here we are. One semester of didactic down, four more to go. I'm nervous about the changes ahead of me, but I know that I can do this! If I can survive anatomy, I can survive anything, right?!



Want to know more about my summer semester? Check out my post about my daily routine this summer. 
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