I survived, barely. It was my last day of English Comp I class and as usual, I froze up and couldn't think. I have a real problem writing essays under pressure and with time constraints, but this time it was worse. It was two parts, and the first part was fine. But as usual, the essay part was a struggle for me. I tried to relax by taking deep breaths but that just made me panic and sweat more as all I could think of was the time wasted by doing so. If I didn't have carpal tunnel before today, I think I just developed it. My hand cramped badly most of the duration. And my neck and shoulders tightened up. I don't know why. It felt like I had no control, and I never did relax until I walked out the door. I *did* manage to finish, amazingly. However, I'm not very happy with the conclusion since it was written quickly. One other student remained when I left. In any case, I'm just happy to have it done!!
On a brighter note, I received solid A's on both my research paper and last essay. Let's hope today's final exam doesn't kill my good grade so far. If only I could control how nerve-wracking writing can be. I have no problem writing at home (although it's still a struggle), but I just cannot master the timed written essay!
This final essay exam made me question if I'm going to freeze and panic during my science exams. I'm reasoning I won't have this problem since it's a different kind of testing: either you know it or you don't. If there will be any panicking, it will be before the exam. BUT, hopefully this won't be the case. I tried to recall science exams in college years, but I couldn't remember them, nor how prepared I felt. Freshman year, I took 2 semesters of Chemistry (my most feared subject at the time) and didn't do too badly. So it reassures me that the capability to pass science exams still exists in me somewhere! :)
Speaking of science exams, I start AP I in one week. Eeps! Meanwhile, I'll enjoy my long holiday weekend and last week of freedom. :) :(
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Milestone 1
I've officially reached the 250 hr mark in patient care. Right on schedule! In fact, I'm a bit ahead as I have an additional 30+ hrs from New York Cares projects. Next milestone will be to have 500 hrs by end of this yr. Only 750 more to go... :/
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Medical Images
There are cool posters from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. And several current images, like the one at left. Who knew cells could render so beautifully in a Miro'esque way! I'll doubt my drawings will look like this when I take Microbiology.
I spent hours browsing this site! On the most part, not many images would appeal as a desktop picture. But I did find a few—like this one! It's colorful and abstract, and not too nerdy? :) One of these days, I'll create a desktop wallpaper for you.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Cupcake Day
Tonight was my first Team Lead event with New York Cares. The hospital volunteer coordinator met me and we set up the Pediatrics Activity room with colorful table coverings and balloons. We then picked up the cupcakes and ice cream (after a bit of tracking down where they went) and I went to meet the volunteers. My NYCares Project Contact overbooked since this was the first time for the event, so there were 8 volunteers who signed up. 3 canceled today, and 1 didn't show. But we probably had just the right amount with the 5 of us. I think it went really well and all the kids and their parents appreciated the diversion from the hospital. So yay! Unfortunately, I have my classes starting, so it's not certain I can lead another one until August. There may be an opening in the first week of July, but with the holiday and only 5 days break, I may need the rest. In any case, it was a successful event!
So... a little side note. There were lots of things for the kids to do while they ate, like playing games, coloring, and—building with foam building blocks. Now that was interesting. The blocks were FOAM, but looked like real wood blocks. So I thought, until the towering structure one child made, toppled. And there was no sound. Now, this is in a hospital, so I understand. But it got me thinking of how this world has become so over-cautious. I wonder how many schools use foam building blocks these days. It saddens me a bit.
I grew up with real blocks. And probably worse toys that might give a bruise or poke someone. We had a toy bin with toy metal guns that looked real (ok, I was in the suburbs of CT, and this was a while ago). In the backyard, I played on a "jungle gym" made of different colored bars in various stages of rust. I don't know how many times I hung upside down and fell from one of those bars. I also climbed trees in the backyard and had a few tumbles down, hitting several branches on the way. Our backyard sloped downwards to a natural wetlands (we called it a swamp) with skunk cabbages and cattails. I used to play in those waters, looking for whatever creature might be in there. Often, I'd just see snakes slither by. Nothing too exciting. But I fondly remember a playhouse that my ingenious father had built for us near the vegetable garden. It consisted of two levels and you climbed a ladder to an open rooftop about 10 feet (or more?) high. At about 5 yrs old, one of my childhood friends was visiting and stepped on a rusty nail that pierced her sneaker and foot. There were no hysterics or threat of lawsuits that I remember. I'm sure she had had a tetanus shot, and if not, received one. That was it. My father, probably thinking this was a good time to update the playhouse (it had been old), tore it down and built another one that resembled our house with matching paint, a red floor inside, and a pitched roof. Real windows with shutters opened outwards, and stayed open with a latch. A small ladder led to a "sleeping loft" that fit one child, lying down. It was very simple, but amazing for a kid! Yes, it's a different time, but it's unfortunate it's come to this. A little rough and tumble can be good.
So... a little side note. There were lots of things for the kids to do while they ate, like playing games, coloring, and—building with foam building blocks. Now that was interesting. The blocks were FOAM, but looked like real wood blocks. So I thought, until the towering structure one child made, toppled. And there was no sound. Now, this is in a hospital, so I understand. But it got me thinking of how this world has become so over-cautious. I wonder how many schools use foam building blocks these days. It saddens me a bit.
I grew up with real blocks. And probably worse toys that might give a bruise or poke someone. We had a toy bin with toy metal guns that looked real (ok, I was in the suburbs of CT, and this was a while ago). In the backyard, I played on a "jungle gym" made of different colored bars in various stages of rust. I don't know how many times I hung upside down and fell from one of those bars. I also climbed trees in the backyard and had a few tumbles down, hitting several branches on the way. Our backyard sloped downwards to a natural wetlands (we called it a swamp) with skunk cabbages and cattails. I used to play in those waters, looking for whatever creature might be in there. Often, I'd just see snakes slither by. Nothing too exciting. But I fondly remember a playhouse that my ingenious father had built for us near the vegetable garden. It consisted of two levels and you climbed a ladder to an open rooftop about 10 feet (or more?) high. At about 5 yrs old, one of my childhood friends was visiting and stepped on a rusty nail that pierced her sneaker and foot. There were no hysterics or threat of lawsuits that I remember. I'm sure she had had a tetanus shot, and if not, received one. That was it. My father, probably thinking this was a good time to update the playhouse (it had been old), tore it down and built another one that resembled our house with matching paint, a red floor inside, and a pitched roof. Real windows with shutters opened outwards, and stayed open with a latch. A small ladder led to a "sleeping loft" that fit one child, lying down. It was very simple, but amazing for a kid! Yes, it's a different time, but it's unfortunate it's come to this. A little rough and tumble can be good.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Last Essay
Last night, I handed in my last English Comp I essay. Next week's class is the two-part final exam: summarizing an essay and then writing an essay. Nice thing about English class is, it doesn't really require much (any?) preparation. This time, we weren't given a topic, so I can't even make a mental draft.
When I first took this class, I thought it a waste of time. I have a BA after all! (haha) In retrospect, I found it really helpful to learn the basics of writing well. I'm not sure I had ever been properly taught. Or, more likely, I just didn't pay attention/didn't try/didn't care. I still think I suck at it, but it makes one appreciate good writing after sweating bullets to grasp the right word or phrase and make it all sound coherent—something that happens to me even when talking!
When I first took this class, I thought it a waste of time. I have a BA after all! (haha) In retrospect, I found it really helpful to learn the basics of writing well. I'm not sure I had ever been properly taught. Or, more likely, I just didn't pay attention/didn't try/didn't care. I still think I suck at it, but it makes one appreciate good writing after sweating bullets to grasp the right word or phrase and make it all sound coherent—something that happens to me even when talking!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Dr. Ken!
I love this guy. He's hilarious. You probably know him from his cameos in movies like: Knocked Up, The Hangover, Pineapple Express, and Couples Retreat. He's actually a real doctor who practices (maybe not anymore) in California and started doing stand up comedy on the side. These are my two favorite clips. Enjoy!
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