Ok, so we had the test this morning like I said we would. 50 questions and I felt well prepared for it.   As we sit in the Bell lecture hall Dr. M was making random jokes which helped to relieve some of the anxiety that some of us were feeling.  Anyways, we started to take the test and the second question on my test kinda had me stumped for a bit i was like ‘what?’ but I continued on.  I realized during the test that my method of taking MCQ exams was not going to work very well with this particular one.  My method is usually to cover the options I have been given and see if I can answer the question myself before looking at what my options were.   Well, there were some questions that weren’t even questions at all, I would read them and wonder if they forgot to actually put a question in there. It kinda sucked but still awaiting the results. There are different versions of rumors going around about  the department throwing out some questions, they certainly need to do so.  I know of someone that contested 7 questions. 7 questions? that ’s a lot in a 50 question test.  Anyways, glad that’s over with. It’s now its time to play catch up with all the other courses I have been ignoring because of the booty genetics final.  

 I am not sure whats wrong for two days in a row now I have made attempts to take naps during the day and for some reason I just end up laying in my bed for an hour and no sleep. That sucks. 

 

Stay Blessed!

We’ve only been in school a few weeks and already we have a final.  Well… that’s because our Genetics was only for 3 weeks but from what I hear thats a lot more than some medical schools get.  At the beginning of this course I had no idea what was going on. I knew about DNA, chromosomes, alleles, phenotype and genotype but besides that, I was really clueless. I had forgotten everything I read in the past about Genetics and I have also never taken a medical genetics course.  For the first week I had no idea what Dr. H was saying because he mumbled a lot while lecturing.  All I kept thinking was that …awww men, am gonna have to teach myself all this stuff I have no idea about, Dang! :mad:  Anyways, we  are approaching the finish line and I must say that I have learned a lot more than I expected.  Now, I actually can have a conversation discussing  Uniparental disomy or Mosaicism and know exactly what they mean its a very good feeling. 

Sunday is always a wishy washy day.  I feel like its a day for me to relax but then again its also a day to prepare for classes.  I wonder… should I make Saturdays my free day? free day? what the heck is that? There’s no such thing for me in medical school.  

My Mom called this evening and during our conversation she mentioned that my Grandma finally got the postcard I sent to her in Nigeria from Grenada in August 2006. It took almost 5months for her to receive it.  I could have delivered that post card myself since I went to Nigeria in December.  WOW, when is Nigeria going to improve their mail service? I guess its probably on the long  list of things that need to be improved upon.  All the best to Nigeria. God help my beloved country.

 Stay blessed!

That is my excuse for a few missed days of blogging.  I truly did  miss blogging.  I was doing good for a while and then our internet service started trippin here.  I was on a flow and then I guess the flow went with the service. Now, I am motivated and ready to continue my blogging.  So what exactly was wrong with the internet? I think it must have been a virus in the system that caused the school to shut down the firefly service and the service we obtain through our ethernet cable was extremely intermittent.

It was terrible, a bunch of people had assignments to turn in online for Neuroscience which was due during this period of irregular internet service. I turned mine in before it started but it was the funniest thing ever.  I know quite a few people that would glance at their taskbar occasionally to see if the green light from skype (online indicator) was on and once it came on went on a rampage to check for memos from classes, emails and submitting assignments.  I was laughing so hard.  I know someone who wasn’t finding it funny at all, Mas. Anyway, I am happy to announce that its BACK UP, and working as regular as ever.  For readers that might be thinking of coming to S.G.U, don’t let that scare you one bit because its my second term here and that’s the first time we’ve ever had an issue that bad. 

All week, we’ve started class at 9am (what a joy!) , two hours of Physiology and 1 hour of Neuroscience and what do we do the rest of day? Study for our Genetics final on Monday, and try to keep up with the work that is going at a fast pace.  Who said term 2 was much easier than term 1? with the way things are at this moment I will have to argue with that.    Back to class schedule.. ok today they manage to schedule us again for an 8am class because they felt the need to add the underrated, undervalued, underestimated Clinical skills class that most of the class tend to skip (including me), but get this Clinical skills is not the 8am class, its Physio which means everyone has to come and then be stuck sitting through clinical skills after 2 hours of Physio as they await the last hour of Neuro.  That was not even cool. 

We are now on cardiac electrophysiology in Physiology and you’re right Dr. Kenneth is not as bad as  I thought it would be but please stand by incase I need help with it. 

I miss home like crazy. I especialy miss my nieces that are only 1 year old.  They grow up so fast and I’m missing it all.  My sister managed to rub this in by telling me online the other day that the treatment she gets from one of them is priceless and you simply have to be around to get that kinda treatment :sad: 

So, its almost time for my 8am class, I have to run.   I hope I can make it through 4 hours of class on 3 hours of sleep.  Hmmm… coffee

 

Stay Blessed!

 

 

Like I mentioned yesterday there was going to be a huge celebration on campus today. This morning at around 11am there was a parade and 132 different countries were represented.  Nigeria was really REPRESENTIN. I think we had the biggest flag among all the flags that were out there.  It was very nice they played music from all the countries represented. I belive the only Nigerian music I heard was by Lagbaja (koko). It was nice, I was in the parade with a few other Nigerians and we danced when Lagbaja came on.   After that there was a concert that featured several artist and even some of out students performed.  The Botswana boys, also performed a wonderful dance. I was very impressed and wished that we Nigerians had done something also.   There were food and drinks for all but not free but really really cheap.  The dedicated a new building and named it ‘Charter Building’ in reconginiton of the first students that attended SGU some of them were also present for the dedication. 

 A few countries were not as represented as I would have like for example China and India.  We have a ton of Indians in my class I was surprised a lot of them didn’t walk the parade but it was probably because it was extremely hot.  I was sweating the whole time.  SGU, is a melting pot so many different cultures it is just incredible.  It is nice to study with people that are not from where you are from. Earlier this evening after all the partying , I studied with some guys from India, one from Somalia, and a girl from Barbados.  I enjoy that.  I have a lot of pictures to show everyone but I will have to figure out the best way to. Its already after 10pm and I still have some studying to do, so I better go

 

Stay Blessed!

Here are a few more pics from the parade.

 

          

 

 

                               

 

 

 

Okay, so genetics is not so bad after all. I have been studying like crazy for the last few days and a few times during my study I actually realized that it was a very interesting subject. Today we discussed development abnormailities as in abnormalities that can occur while  a fetus is still in the womb.  There are so many abnormailities it is very scary.  What is more scary is that for a leyman if they are not properly advised by their physicians/OB GYN they can actually predisose their unborn child to some many abnormalities.   With all these factors genetic or otherwise that can affect an unborn child, it is truly a wonder that so many childrent are born normally.  From a second term Physician in the making what advice do I have for mother to be: If you know you want to get pregnant speak to your Doctor before pregnancy occurs espcially if you are on any type of medication that is necessary for your health.  Also be sure to take folic acid (found in prenatal vitamins) prior to getting pregnant and through your pregnancy. Here’s a link (http://familydoctor.org/076.xml) that can help with that type of info.

 

– A HUGE party on DA WAY!!!!! 

 I am reminded about  the huge party that will be on campus.  St. George’s Univesity will be celebrating its 30th anniversary.  Everyone has been given a day off to celebrate it. The interesting thing is that the main stage is right in front of my dorm.  They will be blasting some carribean music out there tomorrow like no man’s business.  I will definitely have to take a lot of pictures.   They will also be a parade.  The school looks really nice with the beautification that has occurred for the party.  Anw\ywas, I am looking forward to it occuring but not in front of my dorm.  That rules out any possibility of me waking up early and studying in my room.  I hope I won’t be able to hear the music at the library because they were just sound testing and the music was extremely loud. We actually had object vibrating in our rooms.  

For now, I’m getting back to my studies I’ll be sure to give you all details about the 30th Anniversary.

Stay blessed!

 

Ms. A and I (Ms. A is a first term med student) 

Today, I went back and forth wondering if I should go to the White Coat Ceremony for the new students that arrived on campus to begin their first term.  There was only one person that I was familiar with, my roomie’s friend from Cali. At around 3pm, I decided not to go because I had so much studying to still do.  Got back from my class and my roomie asked me if I would go with her, I couldn’t say no because it had been on my mind all day.  I went because I was happy for those that came to celebrate that special day with me even though they were in the same exact situation I was today.  It was nice ceremony and it always feels good to hear other say the oath.  The food was good but not as good as it was during my WCC.  By the time I got on the queue to get some food , all they had left was meatballs but that was okay.  

Interesting day today in clinical skills session.  I had our first patient interview today. Dr. L our tutor was very thorough.  Although most of us were tired because we had just finished four hours of lecture it was probably one of the most interesting patient interviews I have had yet.  We all took turns as we asked the female patient a series of questions.  We are required to cover biography, family history, medical history, social history and review of systems.  When you are only given 5 minutes it doesn’t feel like you have time to recap to the patient what she has been telling you which is essential during such an interview.  I got applauded for being the only one that asked the patient about her Menstrual and Obstetric History.  I guess all the guys shyed away from that.  I guess it can be a little uncomfortable especialy when you are not sure it is appropriate.  Dr. L gave us feedback but unfortunately none of us were able to come up with a diagnosis before our time was up. I guess we need a lot more practice. Thank God there’s time.  So that’s was my day, Genetics was boring as usual and he managed to keep us over time, which sucks especially if you stomach started to growl an hour before the end of class.  

After genetics today, I decided to stay in class before clinical skills started. I didn’t feel like walking up and down the hill to go to my room and back.  While I was there i was postreading my neuroscience and came across some students that are unfortunately repeating the first term.  As I proceeded to leave, one of the student in my term said to me “its not that easy, is it?” I was so shocked by her statement because I think she actually thought that I might have been repeating and I thought even if I was that would have been a very cold thing to say to someone. Don’t you guys think so? Anyways,  I’ll let that one go.  I have to get to work. 

Stay Blessed !

BTW: I counted four new Nigerian girls in the first term.  Nigerians and medicine.

 

 

For those of us that are not in the states, and so not on public holiday let us not forget to celebrate the life and work for Martin Luther King Jr. Below is a link to learn more about him.

Brief Biography of Martin Luther King Jr. http://martinlutherkingjrarchive.com/Biography.aspx

I Have A Dream: http://www.usconstitution.net/dream.html

 

Most people that know are aware of the fact that I am a morning person.   Its a little after 8am and I have already been up for over 30minutes.  I was hoping to sleep in today since everyday this past week I have been up at 6:30am.  Since I am already up I might as well but the time to good use.  This week went by so fast its not even funny. We have already finished half of our lectures for Genetics and although I have been keeping up with my work I only feel sure that I know 1/4 of the material so today will be another day to destroy some Genetics.  Neuroanatomy and Physio are off to a good start (review mostly) but a few new things here and there. I have been chosen to be part of  a focus group in my Physiology class(job will be to give feedback to prof.). What does this mean? this means I always have to keep up with the work (well.. that goes without saying) In addition to that I also have too keep myself abreast of the ongoings on the class to be able to give accurate feedback.  Doesn’t sound like too much. 

Interesting thing my roommates and I found out this week. We live right next door to our RA. (which i think kinda sucks although she’s a nice person) it almost feels like having a parent next door. My roommate has very nice speakers and sometimes we get together to watch movies and sometimes like to blast her music (not extremely loud), i wonder how the RA is going to feel about all that. I am seriously thinking about going to hang out with friends tonite but that can only happen if I have relieved of this terrible cough I have.

 

Stay Blessed!

I can’t remember if I mentioned how long I had been waiting for a package that was sent to me by Mas in September or October.  I finally received info. earlier this week the package had arrived and it was at the main post office.  What was in the package? Battery for my dell computer(I no longer use my dell computer), Fitted T’s courtesy of Royal tee.com, Grey’s Anatomy season 1, other DVDs and styli for my PDA.  Although the package was extremely late in arriving,i am still glad that I was able to get my items. What did I learn from all this? I learned that sometimes if not all times its better to pay the extra amount to ship items using FedEx. 

So how are classes going? Neuroscience is fun, a lot of the information being given right now is review for me and I can already tell I am going to enjoy Physiology. Genetics on the other hand is a different story entirely.  As complicated as Genetics is, excellent lectures seem to be essential. What can you do if you don’t feel like you are getting one? Get over it and hit the books anyways. So that’s pretty much was going on with Genetics.  Clinical skills starts today, I hope it will not be like last term when majority of the class thought it was a complete waste of our time. 

New first term students are starting to appear.  The school always organizes several tours for freshman students to attend so they get to see a little bit about Grenada. For some reason, I missed all those tours last term.  I am thinking that I am going to pretend to be in first term so I can get on a few of those tours.   It will be something relaxing to do after class, especially the  visit to the waterfalls.   Besides all the tours and orientation stuff there are also several parties held during orientation week for the students. It will definitely be a nice welcome for them as it was for me when I arrived here last August. 

Its 7:21am, I have class at 8am, haven’t made my bed or grab something to eat so  I think I better do that now.

 

stay blessed!

So, I am back in Grenada to begin my second term.  I am not as excited as I was for first term because I really feel as if I need a vacation from my vacation. First term was a successful one, all glory to God.   Over the break I went back up to Minnesota for a few days and then to Nigeria and then back to Minnesota for a day and a half and then returned to Grenada. My, My,, how three weeks could go so fast. It was a lovely vacation and it was nice to be home for a while.  Now back to school.   This term , I am taking Neuroscience, Physiology, Immunology, Genetics, Parasitology, and Clinical Skills. Genetics will only be for three weeks so we started lectures heavily today.  We have a final in 3 weeks I guess its a must that we don’t waste any time.  It was nice to see familiar faces. A lot of the class returned which I am very glad to see.  This morning we had Neuroscience and the prof had an English accent, we also had Physiology and the prof had an Australian accent, we also had Genetics and the professor had what sounded like a british accent. its definitely going to be a very interesting semester.  I am now superdorm 4.  Its a 3 bedroom suite. We all have our rooms but share a bathroom and kitchen. We also have internet which is always a bonus.  I am rooming with Gilda, and Beks, cool people that I like very much.  I am back for a while, so for those of you that missed my blogs over the christmas break, fasten your seat belts as we go on this wild journey.

 

Stay blessed!