The End is Near

Well at least for this semester... Tomorrow is our last test and as much as I have enjoyed this program I am ready for a break. This semester has been hectic to say the least; with weddings, class, work and volunteering I have had a full schedule. Soon the new year will be here and I can't wait for the exciting new challenges that lie ahead. To everyone who reads this, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See ya next year!

Volunteer Hours Summary
Habitat for Humanity - 2 Saturdays - 16 hours
American Cancer Society Belles and Beaus Ball - 4 Hours
Autism Speaks Walk - 2 Hours
Women Under Study Clinic - 9 hours

Almost There!

One more test to go! I can't believe we are almost done this first semester. It has been challenging at times, but I've pushed through it. This month was crazy! From weddings, to surgeries, to buying a house; let's just say you only live once.

My sister got married in October and my best friend got married in November just two more weddings left (out of 8 I might add), but they aren't until January so I get a little break. Weddings are great, especially in New Orleans, and I am so happy for those people's weddings who I have had the pleasure of being a part of. 

Weddings are just one part of this crazy month. In the beginning of this program, around August, I sprained my ankle while "studying." Well, it was after I was finished studying and my foot was still asleep. Silly me tried to walk and well its hard to walk when you can't feel your feet. If you know me at all, this is typical of my everyday life; I am pretty clumsy. However, this turned sour really quick when I realized I couldn't move my ankle. To the emergency room I go, to find out its "just a sprain," thank God. But three months later we found out it was a little more than "just a sprain" and required a minor, non-invasive surgery to get me back on my feet. Today I am in recovery, and hoping to be back on my feet soon.

Cait and I after Autism Speaks Walk. It was a little chilly

Just before my surgery, the good news landed; we finally found the house. After 2 years of looking, the perfect little 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house popped up and we snagged it. It needs a little TLC but with my creativity and, of course, Pinterest DIY projects I think this house is going to be perfect. 

With all of this going on, its crazy that I have found some time to volunteer but I have. I volunteered at the Autism Speaks walk and also participated in the walk itself. I have also helped at a local clinic and will continue to help there as the year comes to an end. The Women Under Study Clinic is devoted to improving the study of women's health and disease. At the clinic, I contact patients to discuss their ability to participate in certain trials, I help organize patient files and other office administrative duties, and I also act as a liaison between our office and the doctors around the city who participate in these trials.

It has been a great month in all aspects of life!

Volunteering
Autism Speaks Walk - 2 hours
Women Under Study - 6 hours

Another Day Another Pharm

Wow I can't believe it's been another month. We just finished the renal block where they just added another class, molecular and cellular pharm. I'm glad the test is over, another one under the belt.

This month I gave my presentation for advances, it seemed to go well at least Dr. Kadowitz said we got an A++. Our paper was on diabetes and I learned a lot which helped prepare me for the renal block exam. 

Team bonding at Habitat for Humanity was great, yet again. This time we did a lot at the main Habitat warehouse. We tested out a lot of tools, I didn't know how to work a table saw, but now I do. 

I also attended and volunteered at the American Cancer Society Belles and Beaus Ball. They honored many cancer survivors and we had a great time meeting many of them. 

This month flew by so fast but I'm ready for what the future has in store.

American Cancer Society Ball - 4 hours

Habitat for Humanity - 8 hours

First Time Pharmer

Excited yet a bit nervous, I entered the Tulane School of Medicine ready to embark on this new journey. I walked in to the all to familiar Room 4700, sat down and introduced myself to the girl to my left. It's amazing how you can go from feeling very alone and knowing no one to making a great friend in a matter of seconds. Cait and I have shared so many great memories so far. She has been my chauffeur due to a badly sprained ankle, we make raps, rhymes and other out there ways to remember the drug lists for our tests, and in general we have good fun together. I am really glad I have made such a good friend so fast, she has been my crutch (literally and figuratively).

Normally, being a social butterfly, this could happen everyday; but this fall has been and will continue to be crazy. With 6 weddings left to attend, my social life in this program has been a bit lacking. However, I am slowly getting to know the rest of my classmates and realizing what great people I am surrounded by. New Orleans is my home and I am so excited to share this place with the new friends I've met in this program.    

Our build group. Look there is me in the middle... you can't
even see my ankle brace :-)

"I remember the first time I tried to depressurize a nail gun..." It was the end of the build and we were cleaning up. A great day of bonding and service with my fellow classmates, until the infamous "shot" heard round the build site. Well it wasn't really a "shot" just the loud noise that accompanies a pressure tank when it is suddenly depressurized. It wasn't as funny at first, and thank god Cait's eye is okay; but after a few minutes the whole group had a big laugh. In Cait's defense though, the pressure gauge was broken, or thats what she says...

How many Pharmers does it take to lift that pallet?

I can't believe we have been in this program for 2 1/2 months. I am excited to see what is in store for our class in the coming months. Oh and I also can't wait for our first intramural soccer game. GO PharmersOnly!

My Hours for September:
Habitat for Humanity 9/6 7:30-4:30 (8hrs)