I think that one thing that I forgot about, or just failed to realize when I “signed up” for SEP, was that it would be just like being back at school. Sort of like an extension of the spring semester. The program is hard. It’s not too over whelming, but I definitely spend a considerable amount of time studying -- probably more than I did last semester.
I can probably attribute that to the nature of the classes. I will say that being here has definitely helped me to identify bad study habits, and what does and does not work well for me. The program has also allowed me to reflect on what I like and definitely what I don’t like, and I’m starting to think that maybe medical school is not what I want to pursue. After talking to some of the medical students and being exposed to the curriculum, schedule and other careers in the health science field, I am not as interested in strictly attending medical school.
After sitting in the video conference on health and educational disparities, I realized that I am more interested in teaching and possibly pursuing a physician assistant degree program or graduate work in public health. I want to work directly with individuals and populations as a means of combating the disparities that exist between minority and low socio-economic populations and that of the rest of the general population. After all, that is the very reason why I was considering medicine in the first place. Well that and my interest in science.
Participating in that conference only reaffirmed and refreshed my desire to make a difference in the accessibility and quality of health care and educational opportunities available. I was familiar with a portion of the information presented because I did some research on the issue in high school, but the panel also introduced some new and profound information about the status of the issue. The panel also addressed some possible solutions and measures that should be taken in order to rectify the situation, which includes increased funding in order to increase accessibility and resources available to individuals, as well as schools and other agencies servicing communities with low socioeconomic status. They also cited that a willingness of students and other individuals with a vested interest to champion for legislation and increased accountability is crucial.
This idea is a reflection of my favorite quote, from Gandhi stating, “Be the change you hope to see in the world.” As I reflect on my experiences in SEP and make decisions about which career pathway best suits me, I am reminded that I am doing more than merely picking a career. Whatever I pursue, I am charged with the task of having a positive, and greater, long-lasting affect on my community.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
A fast-paced schedule
Well, right now it is about the middle of week two, and so far everything has been going well. The classes/ schedule are not as difficult as I initially thought, though that’s not to say that is a “walk in the park.” The schedule, I will say was a slight adjustment, especially coming off of a year where 11 o’clock was the earliest class I had (lol). The schedule reminds me a lot of high school, and having to be up and in class by 8am, but it’s not too bad. The days are pretty busy though.
In between class and the scheduled seminars, we are constantly moving from one activity to another until about five o’clock, and then we basically have the rest of the evening free to get homework and other necessary tasks done. The seminars that we have been attending have been fun so far. I have learned a lot about careers that I had not considered previously.
I probably learned the most during the trip to the NC State’s Vet School. Veterinarians have a lot more opportunities in their field than I previously thought. They do more than typical working on pets, I guess. They also are required to have a working knowledge of a variety of animals, and have more flexibility with in their profession and work hours. State also has one of the top programs in the country in Veterinary Medicine. It’s great that there are such top programs located right here with in North Carolina.
In between class and the scheduled seminars, we are constantly moving from one activity to another until about five o’clock, and then we basically have the rest of the evening free to get homework and other necessary tasks done. The seminars that we have been attending have been fun so far. I have learned a lot about careers that I had not considered previously.
I probably learned the most during the trip to the NC State’s Vet School. Veterinarians have a lot more opportunities in their field than I previously thought. They do more than typical working on pets, I guess. They also are required to have a working knowledge of a variety of animals, and have more flexibility with in their profession and work hours. State also has one of the top programs in the country in Veterinary Medicine. It’s great that there are such top programs located right here with in North Carolina.
I spoke too soon...
I think that I may have spoken a little too soon about class (lol).
I think that physics is going to be the most challenging subject for me this summer. The hardest part, well at least for me, is comprehension of the concepts behind the formulas that we are using in class, and then trying to figure out which formula would be optimal for the type of problem that I am trying to solve. I guess it is hard because I have never taken physics or had any previous introduction to it, so everything is brand new information.
The SI sessions (required study sessions for each class) are helpful in a way. The only thing about SI is that the PAs don’t necessarily have the same teaching style or method as the professors do, so sometimes it makes it harder. I will say that they do try to the best of their abilities to answer any questions and will even work with you one on one if that is what you want or need.
But a plus is that we got stipend checks today! (lol) That always makes things a little brighter (just kidding) – though I think that was the highlight of the day.
I think that physics is going to be the most challenging subject for me this summer. The hardest part, well at least for me, is comprehension of the concepts behind the formulas that we are using in class, and then trying to figure out which formula would be optimal for the type of problem that I am trying to solve. I guess it is hard because I have never taken physics or had any previous introduction to it, so everything is brand new information.
The SI sessions (required study sessions for each class) are helpful in a way. The only thing about SI is that the PAs don’t necessarily have the same teaching style or method as the professors do, so sometimes it makes it harder. I will say that they do try to the best of their abilities to answer any questions and will even work with you one on one if that is what you want or need.
But a plus is that we got stipend checks today! (lol) That always makes things a little brighter (just kidding) – though I think that was the highlight of the day.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
I'm officially part of the SEP Program
I am excited about everything that SEP has to offer. I’m glad that I have the opportunity to participate in this program, especially considering that the classes that we are supposed to be taking this summer are the same as some of the classes that I am taking in fall, which will allow me to get a leg up. Also, they cover key core topics that are necessary to do well on the MCAT which is my main objective. I am also looking forward to the networking opportunities I will be afforded through the various seminars I have seen on the calendar.
Besides academics, the dorms are really nice! The beds are lofted, which was an adjustment because it is a lot higher than I thought it was going to be. My roommate seems nice so far. I’m looking forward to getting to know her better. She actually goes to school in the same area I do, which is cool, I guess. The other scholars seem nice as well. Most of them attend different universities throughout the state (North Carolina), and there are a few out of state students as well. There actually are not any students from my school participating in the program, which is not a bad thing, as it allows me to meet different people. I will say I was surprised that quite a few scholars already knew people in the program. Most are from either their schools or their home towns.
I’m optimistic about everything to come. I’m sure that it will be hard work, but I think overall this summer will be fun.
Besides academics, the dorms are really nice! The beds are lofted, which was an adjustment because it is a lot higher than I thought it was going to be. My roommate seems nice so far. I’m looking forward to getting to know her better. She actually goes to school in the same area I do, which is cool, I guess. The other scholars seem nice as well. Most of them attend different universities throughout the state (North Carolina), and there are a few out of state students as well. There actually are not any students from my school participating in the program, which is not a bad thing, as it allows me to meet different people. I will say I was surprised that quite a few scholars already knew people in the program. Most are from either their schools or their home towns.
I’m optimistic about everything to come. I’m sure that it will be hard work, but I think overall this summer will be fun.
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