away

I've been away. Hiding in my new found spot... the library. Studying for the upcoming exams on monday has taken up all of my time. (I even realized that I've forgotten to eat 3 meals a day this week... I know, I know. That will change after these exams).

I just wanted to let you know that I am alive :)

.. and to expect lots of postings after exams! I have a back log of topics to share as our classes are getting more interesting - especially psychology. It's started up my curiosity in researching and questioning rather than just rote memorization and learning. BUT, that's going to have to wait.

In the meantime, I would like to send a virtual "hello" to Nemo's mom! I meant to do it earlier and let you know that your hug was transmitted - it was actually the first thing he did ...before introducing himself. Ha ha ha. So, thank you for reading my blog.

3.1 - done!

Don't have a lot of time tonight so I will make this short.
Block 1 exams are done and they just seem to be getting harder every semester. Although not worth a whole lot of your mark, they definitely used the scare tactic on our class again. not fun!
Anyways, they are over and done with so on to the next challenge...

Ethics class is officially done and we started Psychology/Behavioural Sciences on Tuesday. Really interesting class thus far and I love how the Prof. is making it interactive (we have audience participation cards, with numbers on them for choosing an answer. It's kind of like the old-school version of iClickers for those who are familiar with them).
Here is a video to leave you with a glimpse of the class... needless to say that I am wide awake all afternoon :) It's great to have professors that know how to connect with the class.

Friday.

Sorry I have not been back on until now but as you may assume they have thrown us into the deep end once again! Great. Thanks Saba. I would've thought we've proven ourselves by third semester...

A lot of things have happened last week so here is a 'high yield' summary. (hehehe, can you tell I am back into study mode?)

So friday was that time of the semester; we got to meet the incoming class, attend their white coat ceremony and speak to our assigned mentee about life at Saba. I really love this tradition because it reminds you of what you are here for and that you are definitely not alone in taking the unbeaten path. Met some great 1st semesters and I would like to thank those of you who came up to me (or screamed "blog girl!") - really made my day :).
We also had our welcome back party that night and needless to say it was fantastic to see everyone out... I think pictures will give you a feel for the night better.

a local came up dressed like this,
no clue why but it was entertaining

Half-way through happiness

the usual gun show!

potential roomies next semester :)

LASTLY, the construction in front of my house seems to never end. Every morning I literally step out into a construction site full of dust clouds, newly poured concrete, metal bars, drilling and hammering. Awesome! *rolls eyes*. Really hoping this ends soon...

my house is what you see in the bottom left corner. Isn't it a great view?!

EDIT: still waiting on the Hawaiian Friday class picture - will post once I get it :)

Aloha

Aloha. A-lo-ha. A-lo-haha. A-lo-hahaha. 

This is how we started our ethics class on the first day. Our professor taught in Maui for a while and has really embraced their culture so every time he wants to greet us he says aloha and we respond back!

It means…

Alo – to share an experience

Ha – the breath of life, a channel

Loha – to listen carefully

Oha – spreading, thriving, affection, love, greetings, healthy, something which grows of something else.

As childish and insignificant as this sounds our whole class is laughing and smiling after we greet him back. It really works.

I dare you to try it when you need a boost from a not so great day.

Ethics, so far, has been an unusual class in that is completely different than anything else we’ve had. We have watched an Ali-G clip on medical ethics (hilarious by the way), we will be doing role playing next week, and tomorrow is dress up in Hawaiian shirts day! (he brought us shirts to chose, wear and keep as a reminder!)

Overall, 3^rd semester is a whirlwind of massive amounts of information. We already have 300 slides to go over for neurology and it just seems to keep piling up. It’s been hard to get back into the studying mode… it’s not just me; the entire class having trouble with this concept of ‘studying’. Well we better get it back soon since our first set of exams are a week from Monday!

Break was too short but it’s great to see everyone again. Happy start to the semester.

And look forward to posting a picture of my Hawaiian outfit for tomorrow!