Off to 3rd Semester...

Well for those that are not friends with me on facebook, I have officially passed my 2^nd semester of vet school.  I did not make Dean’s list but that is ok (I did learn that you will have NO motivation for your final on the last day).  I ended up getting an A in physio 2 (Take that Reich) a B+ in Anatomy (don’t know how far I was away from my A that would have given me dean’s list but oh well) and a B in Immno and Parasitology. Sad thing when grades are posted you find out friends that failed one class that will go back to the previous semester or friends that have failed out completely (failed 2 or more classes).  We all become a family down here and want to see everyone succeed but sometimes that does not happen.  The ones I have to say goodbye to, I will miss and sure hope we stay in touch.  We never know why things happen but it always happens for a reason.

I dropped Kitts off at the house sitter this morning.  She gets to spend the week with 2 other dogs so I know she is going to enjoy herself.  Here is the picture I got a few hours after I left her. 

Got this photo from Kitts housesitter a few hours after I dropped her off...I think she is going to have a fun week!!

 

 I am now waiting at the Saint Kitts airport waiting to get on my flight to go to Antigua. 

So my advice for the newcoming 2^nd semesters…Don’t be scared…it will be HELL but you can do it.  TO ME…Reich was not the class to be scared of. For me that was the easiest class of the semester and most enjoyable.  It is not a class where you memorize tons of facts but you NEED to understand what is going on.  He does not test you on the facts but how to apply the facts.  Don’t be scared you can do it.  I hope I can tutor for this class next semester but we shall see.  For Immunology memorize the ENTIRE book.  The small print in the bottom left hand corner will most lightly appear on the exam.  He doesn’t test on concepts but more on random facts.  Anatomy isn't as bad this quarter as it was in first but start off strong because the final sucks!! You have 2 quizzes and 2 palpation test that are super east to get a 100 on (with that and the 5% participation) that is an easy 25% to get a good grade. A lot of people didn't study for quizzes and ended up scrambling at the end of the semester to pass. I hated parasite..just straight memorization but the professors are really nice and approachable.  Listen to what they emphasize in class about certain parasites because those are the facts they test on.  Reading before class really does help so you have an idea of what they are talking about.  It takes 10 minutes and it will be very beneficial. Also, do well on your midterms because the finals are HARD.  The less pressure you need during finals...the better!!!

Well, goodbye to 2nd semester I am happy we will NEVER meet again...now off to 3rd!!

 

Finals and a Dog!!

Checklist for 3am studying

So this is going to be a short post since it is the Saturday before finals.  This weekend will be spent studying, eating, studying, a little sleeping, a little more eating and a lot more studying.

 My final schedule is…

Monday 10:30 am- Parasitology

Tuesday 8:00 am- Physiology 2

Wednesday 8:00 am- Immunology

Thursday 7am- Gross Anatomy 2

I am going into finals with 2 A’s  (Physiology and Gross Anatomy) and 2 B’s (Immunology and parasitology).  My B’s are too low to bring up to A’s so I just need to get a B on the final to keep my grade in these classes.  Since our school does not give minuses (ie no B-) I just need to get an 80 on each of those 2 exams.  In order to keep my A in anatomy I need to score an 87%.  I REALLY want to get an A in anatomy since that was my lowest grade last semester.  Since this course is cumulative from last semester I want to prove that I learned everything I had missed last semester and was really able to do well this semester.  I am just worried because it is the LAST exam and I will probably be a little burnt out from studying by then.  I have to get a 88% on my physio final to keep my A (without a curve).  The physio class has been known to give back a lot of points at the end of the semester because of the low averages and a lot of students fail this class.  I don’t want to depend on the curve for the A though.  I really just want to be able to say to myself you got an A in Riech’s class.

For those of you that are not my friend on facebook, I had a big announcement this week.  I adopted an Island dog.  Meet Kitts!!!

Miss Kitts

 

I adopted her from Kelly (who is now our roommate) who received her from a local who no longer wanted her.  She has been SOOO good so far.  She has been doing great in her crate, no accidents, loves everyone and everything and loves to just sleep on the sofa.  I am sure this blog will have many adventures and stories about her through the years.  She has a vet appointment Tuesday.

Kelly, our 4^th domemate, has moved in so we are officially a 4 person dome home again. 

I think she will fit in fine...highlights anyone?

 

Ok back to studying and some puppy love!!  Good thoughts are welcomed from everyone!! Lets go PINK...lets end 2nd semester with a bang!!!

 

PS HAPPY 16th Birthday to my amazing sister Mckenzie!! I wish I was home to celebrate with you but I will make up it up to you!!

 

Fustration

I think the word of second semester is frustration and it not just about school.  Feels like everyone is frustrated with something school, cars, landlords, roommates, etc. 

Though I may be living “in paradise” it sure doesn’t feel like it at time.  I usually try to be an upbeat person but little things on this island have really gotten to me lately.  I am ready for this quarter to be over with and have 2 weeks off!! I feel like all of my friends I talk to are going through the same thing.  We all need a break!!

On the island I really miss being able to do things at home.  Saturday was especially hard because it was my sisters last night as Miss Teen Downey as she gave away her crown and ended her reign. I am SOOO proud of her!! She has grown into a remarkable young women this past year and always represented the city of Downey with the up most respect. Through the good times and the rough times she always held her head up high, kept a smile on your face and kept her tongue bit (something I don't do very well). She has become a role model to so many and I love her soo much!! Who knew a girl they grew up on a soccer field with cleats would have so much beauty and grace in floor length strapless dresses and 5 inch stilettos.

My Beautiful Sister...Miss Teen Downey

I was able to take a break this weekend and participate in the flag football tournament as well.  It was our class fundraiser where over 40 girls were randomly assigned to teams.  We practice for weeks ahead of time in order to come up with plays and work as a team. I played flag football all 4 years in undergrad with my sorority so I especially like this fundraiser.  This semester was quite entertaining because it rained the ENTIRE time…not just sprinkled but POURED!! The fields became mud pits and everyone was sliding but thankfully NO ONE got hurt.  We ended up getting 3^rd but most of all I was able to take a break from school, meet new people, and enjoy life.

Team Black at half time
 



My knees after football

Rain mudd and football...what else do you do on a Saturday!!

We had an anatomy quiz this Monday which was our last test before exams.  I think I did well on the qui but grades are not posted yet.  I should be going into finals in a really good position with my classes.  I am entering finals with 2 A’s and 2 B’s.  My goal is to end second semesters with No C’s but we shall see.  I have my first lab exam next Tuesday in parasitology and then the following week starts finals.  My final schedule is parasitology on Monday, physiology on Tuesday, Immunology on Wednesday and Anatomy on Thursday.  Just thinking about this makes me tired.

I am really looking forward to my break.  I am island hoping with my mom and going to spend a few days on the island of Antigua and a few days on Saint Martin.  I plan on lying on the beach, drinking fruity drinks, NOT STUDYING and celebrating one more semester down of vet school!!