I totally forgot about this blog!

Yes. I actually completely forgot about this blog until today, when I decided I'd start a blog...

It's been 2 years...I've finished life on the island. It was a major struggle, major whirlwind... I managed to survive and now I'm at home trying to study for the USMLE Step 1 on my own. 

Maybe one day I'll be able to document exactly what I've been through... I'm closer to my dream, I guess, but it still feels so far...

The struggle is real. 

Block I Weekend.

It's been a whirlwind so far. I've finally arrived and settled into my dorm on Saba, the past 2 weeks have flown by but at the same time it feels like I've been in Saba for ages. So far I don't mind it (I think?)

I think I have adjusted to settling in here pretty well, now it's about figuring out how to manage my time and make the most of every minute. We have had 2-3 people leave the island who just couldn't handle it. It's the first block weekend so I need to get to studying. Yesterday the TA's had a mock lab exam, which was brutal...

I feel very unconfident about these exams, but I need to study and I still have time to prepare.

Side note: I'm starting to hate the goats/lamb that walk up and down the steps to the hill for leaving their feces everywhere!! Also, there's chicken that walks around in the cafeteria - it's not afraid of people. What's up with the animals on Saba? Haha hilarious!

Preparations, preparations, and more preparations.

So... There's 1 week to go until I head to the beautiful island of St. Maarten and bask in the sun and beach-y waters of the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino!!

Of course, once there I will be heading to the island of Saba via ferry and attending Saba University School of Medicine as a first semester student!

Although I have been preparing for the past 2 months, I never realized how many last minute details and things need to be done. For example: I'm still stuck on which health insurance to purchase (I know! I haven't bought it yet! Ah! The only thing bothering me is the cancellation of my provincial healthcare insurance, I don't know if I can sacrifice that?

Today I begin packing. I will keep you posted on how well that goes and how much luggage I intend to take. I am an 'over-packer' for sure so I'll try to limit the things I take. Hopefully someone reads this... feel free to comment if you do so I know that I'm not just talking to myself...lol.

Exactly How I Feel...

"The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it." - Thucydides

The End is Near.

In approximately 12 hours, the last of my undergrad exams will officially be over. Goodbye undergrad, hello real life!

Let's Get it Started.

So I read a blog online about one person's journey through medical school. I was totally inspired and decided to start my own blog too. Hopefully in the course of my medical school career I can use this blog as an inspiration to both myself and other students!

I've applied to a Caribbean Medical School and I'm starting soon, in May! The excitement is there, but it's being masked right now by my nerves - the fear of the unknown and moving to a new place across the world.

I know, I know what everyone says - that it's not advisable - it's against most odds that people who attend Caribbean medical schools succeed - they rarely achieve residency positions in the USA let alone Canada - it's a tough life - it's difficult to adjust to island life - it's a hassle for no reason. I've heard it all. But I made this decision based on one thought, that at the very least I should give myself a chance.

Never give up.