Pharmacology Reflections

 This month, I feel I experienced many breakthroughs.  I decided, in the beginning of the semester, to be a class representative. This posed many challenges, as each representative seemed to have a different style of communication, and I admittedly struggled to keep us all on the same page. However, I was able to get us all in a group chat and even started a log document for us all to reference in case anyone loses track. I also feel I was able to feel closer to the community of the program this month. I began studying with one of my classmates outside of class, which has made studying so much more fun! And I put myself out of my comfort zone to be more outgoing. I am very happy with the result, and I feel very grateful for everyone in this community for providing me this space to grow. I also abandoned my old study strategy of making one massive study guide, trading it in for handwritten notes and flashcards (with the advice of the great tutor Uma) - and I am so thrilled to s...

     In October, we learned about the many ways pharmaceuticals are applied to prevent and treat illnesses along the intersection of the autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular systems. We even completed a simulation, treating an intelligent dummy, voiced by our professor Dr. Clarkson, for Non-ST elevated Myocardial Infarction - which was incredibly realistic and fascinating!      In my free time, I volunteered twice with the Lowernine Food Pantry - once October 11th and again October 25th (6 hours each shift). I did all the usual aspects of my role - signing people in and coordinating newcomers. It was fun! October 25th I even wore my Halloween costume - which was a Wizard. Since I wouldn't be able to really celebrate Halloween this year, with an exam right after the weekend of it, I thought it would be a fun idea. Oddly enough, my costume was too good - it involves a long grey beard, wizard hat, cape, staph, and even fake leather gloves. People did no...