Year Three: 2015/2016
This has been a crazy year!
I've continued in the Connections Dual-Admissions Program as a neuropsychology major, with minors in psychology and medical sciences and a certificate in Italian Language and Culture. I thoroughly enjoyed all of my classes this year and have been able to take what I learned in them and apply it beyond the classroom.
I tackled the monstrous MCAT exam (results still pending!) and have never felt more sure in my decision to pursue a career in the medical field as a psychiatrist. I've even begun looking at particular residency programs that are (currently, at least) a good fit for where I want to go in life and how I want to practice.
I've continued to study abroad, expanding my understanding of multicultural perspectives and learning to interact across cultural boundaries. I'm continuing my multicultural education this summer by travelling to Rome, Italy, and have plants to travel to Melbourne, Australia in December; various cities in Ireland next spring; and to Trieste, Italy next May.
One of my biggest lessons from this year is that I need to take the time to take care of myself if I'm going to be any good to others. I struggled with stress, some minor depression, and anxiety this year. I've learned to take time each day to just breathe, to focus and center myself, and to reach out for support when I need it.
My other big lesson from this year came from one of my courses, Becoming a Master Physician, by Dr. Phil Diller. The lesson is this: people are just that, people! Human beings, comprised of a multitude of elements that make them whole, dynamic entities. In every situation where we deal with people, we have to understand that they come to the table with a past and have been shaped by their experiences and understandings.
These two lessons have given me a brighter, clearer outlook on life. I'm filled with new hope (see my page about UHP+ Discover and my "What is Hope?" project for more on that!) for the future and what I can accomplish.
I've continued in the Connections Dual-Admissions Program as a neuropsychology major, with minors in psychology and medical sciences and a certificate in Italian Language and Culture. I thoroughly enjoyed all of my classes this year and have been able to take what I learned in them and apply it beyond the classroom.
I tackled the monstrous MCAT exam (results still pending!) and have never felt more sure in my decision to pursue a career in the medical field as a psychiatrist. I've even begun looking at particular residency programs that are (currently, at least) a good fit for where I want to go in life and how I want to practice.
I've continued to study abroad, expanding my understanding of multicultural perspectives and learning to interact across cultural boundaries. I'm continuing my multicultural education this summer by travelling to Rome, Italy, and have plants to travel to Melbourne, Australia in December; various cities in Ireland next spring; and to Trieste, Italy next May.
One of my biggest lessons from this year is that I need to take the time to take care of myself if I'm going to be any good to others. I struggled with stress, some minor depression, and anxiety this year. I've learned to take time each day to just breathe, to focus and center myself, and to reach out for support when I need it.
My other big lesson from this year came from one of my courses, Becoming a Master Physician, by Dr. Phil Diller. The lesson is this: people are just that, people! Human beings, comprised of a multitude of elements that make them whole, dynamic entities. In every situation where we deal with people, we have to understand that they come to the table with a past and have been shaped by their experiences and understandings.
These two lessons have given me a brighter, clearer outlook on life. I'm filled with new hope (see my page about UHP+ Discover and my "What is Hope?" project for more on that!) for the future and what I can accomplish.