Long Week

This week was full of lots of studying for the upcoming tests on Monday.  Vetprep has block exams, so I have a test in all my classes on the same day.  Still not sure how I feel about this....I'd like to get all the exams out of the way on the same day that way you don't have to worry about another exam for a while, however, ALL of your exams are on the same day.  We will see how it goes. 

 On Monday, there was an ice cream social for the 1st semesters, which was a nice little study break.  I had been looking over Physio all day because I'm most nervous about that test.  I also bought an anatomy CD from one of the anatomy professors in preparation for next semester.  The first semesters keep talking about how they have to memorize so much information, so I figured since I have the free time now, I might as well get started and that way it will just be review for me.  I'm trying to learn 5 bones/muscles/joints/ligaments a day, unless the bones are similar, then I'll throw in a few more. 

 On Tuesday, I ventured out to customs to pick up a package (thanks Kristen and Alan!).  You are surely going to fatten me up with all those cookies! They open the box and go through everything with you there.  They had a problem with people shipping weapons in the past, so now they check through everything.  We also had our first VIDA meeting.  I'm most excited about this club, but they are having a slow start, so nothing will come of it just yet.  Wednesday was my longest day this week.  I started classes at 10:30 and ended at 4pm, but we then had a mandatory off campus living meeting at 4:30pm, so we can prepare to move.   I also went to the on-campus market and picked up some eggs, fruits, veggies, and meat, so I will be set for a little while.  There was a speaker for VBMA from 5-7pm which gave me some hours toward my certification and I got a free book out of it.  There are no plans for the weekend, since everyone has tests on Monday.  Hopefully we can sneak in a movie night between studying. 

On a sadder note, the owner of one of the bars on the strip was killed this week.  A few of us have already gotten to know Elvis pretty well, so it touches close to home.  Check out the news story: http://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/52629

 I have discovered that I hate that St. Kitt's doesn't recycle.  They recycle their glass bottles because they have a bottling company here that will give you money back for bringing the bottles, but they don't recycle paper, cans, or plastic.  I've heard of some students bringing home their recycling in their suitcases to recycle back home, but I don't know if I will go that far.  Although, I do cringe every time I throw away something that should be recycled.

 Everyone is also starting to figure out where they want to live next semester when we move off campus and also starting to buy cars.  The options for housing are numerous and you definitely have a lot of options.  A lot of people want to live out in Frigate Bay where the Marriott is because it is nicer, however, it isn’t as safe (lots of robberies) because it’s considered the “richer” area.  I’d ideally like to stay near campus, so I don’t have to worry about a long drive or the car breaking down and not getting to class.  I’d also like some roommates too, so I need to find a place with more than one  Of course, I want a place that allows animal, because you know I’m bedroom.  Of course, I would also like a place that allows animals, since I know I will be bringing home a few, plus I’d like to be able to foster.    As far as the car goes, the roads here are awful especially going down to some of the beaches, so I’d prefer an SUV.  A lot of people are also sharing cars, so that’s another idea.  The available housing gets put up on Feb 10^th, so we still have time to figure it all out.

There are a lot of people that have started to question why they are here.  They are getting stressed out because of the studying and distance.  Other than in VetPrep, you really don't have a life other than studying.  As some of you know, I'm home sick, but I have a lot that has happened in the past month that's making life, especially being here, more challenging.  I very much appreciate all of the phone calls and emails.  Keep them coming and start planning your visits!

Developing A Routine

So I'm started to develop a little more of a routine now that I've been here almost 3 weeks (crazy...time flies).  It was rained every day that I've been here, however the rain only lasts a few minutes at the longest. We did have a few gloomy days this week though.
This week I started working out with trainer Wayne.  I was seriously still sore from my Monday workout until Thursday.  He's really inexpensive so I figured I might as well take advantage of it.
I also started taking self-defense classes.  They are a three week series (Mondays and Thursday) and are completely free.  So far, they are good and pretty informative.  They are hands-on, so I'm able to get a real feel for everything.
I found a internet channel where, since I still have a lot of free time, I was able to catch up on some of my shows.  Yay Glee!  Apparently it doesn't work on every computer, but I haven't had any problems so far.
This week was also full of the first club meetings.  I ended up joining VMBA, SVECCS (We actually get to work in the ER here), and I'm still considering joining ZEW.  They have two trips offered, one to Belize and one to Africa, where we would get to work with large cats and other zoo animals.  It doesn't cost a lot and I've always wanted to work with zoo animals, so why not do it in Belize or Africa!?  I'm also considering joining the AVA (Avian Vet Association), but I don't know how much benefit I will be getting out of it.
There was a meeting about clinical placement for the last three semesters of school.  I learned which schools accept which students so I know what I need to work toward.  Go VT!.....or maybe NCSU....still need to think of a third school.   I've started making my list of places to go and things to eat for any visitors...hint hint!
This Saturday it's PAWS Adoption Day!  I'm tempted to go look at who needs a home, but I know I will be even more tempted to take one with me! Beachfest is also on Saturday, where everyone heads down to Reggae beach.  Then of course, studying!

First Week of School

First week of school, first week of school! (Finding Nemo)
Another long entry, but everyone's been asking about my classes, so read on!

Monday - Classes didn't start for me today, but they started for all the other semesters.  However, I was still up at 5:30am for some gym time.  Even though I didn't have anywhere to be until 2pm, we figured the gym would be the least crowded then.  I then had a meeting for our Evidence Based Medicine class overview.  This class is basically a case study class, where they want us to learn to provide a template for solving clinical problems, developing communication and independent learning skills.  It seems like it will be a interesting and time consuming class.  The first semesters then had their White Coat Ceremony, which I attended to cheer my orientation team on.  I don't get my white coat until next semester since I'm Vet Prep.  Unfortunately, my grandpa passed away today as well.  I hate that I can't make it to the funeral, but I know everyone understands why.

Tuesday - Still didn't have classes until 11am, but I was up again at 5:30am for some gym time.  I then did some laundry and got everything organized the first day of classes!  So my first class was Clinical Applications and it only meets every other week.  It's basically trying to get us to start learning the mechanisms of acquiring information in a clinical setting.  So it basically goes along with the Evidence Based Medicine class.  At lunch, there was a PAWS ((People for Animal Welfare on St. Kitts) meeting which helps with fostering and adopting animals.  (I'm still pretty sure I will be the owner of a cat by the time I leave the island....sorry mom)  Unfortunately, I discovered that I can't do until next semester because you have to be a member of SCAVMA (Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association).  You aren't able to be a member until 1st semester.  In the afternoon I am in the same classroom for the rest of my classes. (All classes are 50mins long)  First was Medical Mathematics and Intro to Pharmacology where we are going to get an overview of writing prescriptions, calculating dosages, and a preview into pharmacology and toxicology.  I do have some background in this working at the different clinics, so hopefully that will help me.  Next class was Intro to Microbiology, which I have taken before, so again hopefully this will help me.  This is the only class I actually learned something in today.  Lastly we had Intro to Physiology.  I have a feeling this class will be my hardest, but it will give us an advantage in nutrition next semester.  It's the exact same teacher and we literally have the exact same notes as the first semesters.

 Here's what we learned in Math and Intro to Pharm (click the play button and make sure your sound is on):

Wednesday - Gym time at 5:30am again!  I'm trying to get into the routine early, even though I don't have early classes until next semester.  Instead of Evidence Based Medicine, we had a library orientation to teach us about the loan system and fees for different things.  The recent vet preppers then had a pizza social with the last semester vet preppers and were able to get a lot of our questions answered.  I have continually heard about the amount of down time that we have during vet prep, which could be good and bad. My next class of the day was Medical Math and Intro to Pharm again.  Normally after Math we would have Study Skills, but we don't have it this week.  So, after a small break, we then had Physiology again.  Semester Olympics started today, so I decided to go check that out.  Today was soccer but we lost. Each semester gets a different color to wear.  Vet prep is considered part of the first semesters, so our color is orange...I have plenty of that! However, next semester we will be changed to blue....Julia get me some more shirts!


Thursday - According to Fergie, "I be up in the gym just working on my fitness."  I had a new class today, Veterinary Terminology, that only meets once a week.  It seems like it will be a pretty straight forward class.  There was a club fair at lunch today. I signed up for way too many, but who knows how many I will stick with after I go to their first meeting and hear what they have to say.  I signed up for Animal Behavior Club, the Association of Avian Vets, PAWS (even though I technically can't start yet), SCUBA, Veterinary Business Management Association, Zoo, Exotics, and Wildlife Medicine Club, VIDA, VOICE, surgery club, anatomy club, and probably some others that I don't remember.  This afternoon was then filled with Math, Study Skills, and Physiology.  I had Study Skills for the first time today where we basically just talked about the structure of orienation and tried to get to know each other better.  It sounds like that class will just consist of a bunch of speakers on different topics.  Today's semester Olympic sport was kickball, but we did a lot in class, so I wanted to review before tomorrow since I'm sure I won't be doing much reviewing this weekend.

        Here's what we learned in Vet Terms (click the play button):

Friday -  Fridays are my shortest days.  Half of us have Evidence Based Medicine in the morning and the other half have it on Wednesdays.  For the next few weeks, I have it on Wednesdays, so my Fridays are free until 1pm.  In my usual fashion, I was up early for the gym and was able to get some study time in before Microbiology and Physiology.  Today's Olympic sport was flag football, but unfortunately we lost....again  A local dance bar was having a party that a bunch of Ross students went to.  We met a lot of people from the Windsor Medical School, which is also on this island.  Apparently they are crazy partiers, so I'm sure we will be seeing them again.  Our taxi driver on the way home asked us if we wanted some late night food which half of our group did.  "Late night" consists of gas station burgers, fries, and hotdog bun garlic bread.  Overall, we had a fun night though.

This weekend I hope to go to the beach and study somewhat on Saturday.  Saturday night is Mr. RUSVM, which is basically where the guys in each semester compete for best talent or funniest skit.  Then on Sunday is volleyball Olympics (hopefully we will finally win a game!) and more studying.  I don't know how frequent my blog posts will be, but I will try to update you every week with what's happening in my little island bubble!

Orientation week!

Finally getting settled into my room!  We have been super busy with orientation all week and getting acclimated to the island and student life!

Day 1 - We had a Island tour that included Brimstone Hill Fortess, Caribelle Baqit, Black Rocks, Carnival (accelerates the holiday season Nov - Jan) , and Port Zante.  I also got to experience the best Johnny Cake on the island from Mrs. Moore (Orientation leader says she's the best).

                      All our luggage getting from the airport to campus:

                                                          
                                     My room not set up yet:

           View from my room (Yes I do get the sunrise and part of the sunset):

                         Orientation Group at Brimstone Hill Fortress:

                                                                 
                                          Carnival dancers:

                                                              

                                     First bug bite (it was an ant!):

Day 2 - Today we had a campus tour, so I know where all my classes will be (basically two classrooms).  We then had lectures about the island and security for most of the afternoon with a few hours of down time. Then dinner was at Sunset Cafe on the Strip.  Too bad VT ended up losing the Sugar bowl :(

                                          Room now set up:

                                  Walking to "Beach" on campus:

Day 3 -  Today was complete with more "errands", Visa application including passport picture, getting our student IDs (I'm official!), opening up our bank accounts (Scotia bank), getting our laundry cards, drivers license (just a piece of paper), and putting money on my island cell phone.  I then had a pizza social with my fellow vet preppers to finally meet them all! I met some great people and I'm eager to start classes....I cannot believe I seriously just said that.  The afternoon included zip lining!  We had so much fun and the views were amazing!  That night all the orientation groups went out to Bobsy's, where I ate one of the most amazing burgers I've ever tasted.  Crazy right?  That dinner was honestly the biggest meal I have ate since I've been here.  We then had some drinks and socialized with everyone so we could start meeting everyone!

                                        Come zip lining with me:

                        


Day 4- More lectures today about living on campus, figuring out our personality style and what it means, getting oriented to the exam center, and a free movie of We Bought A Zoo. Who can say that when they walk out of a movie there's the ocean right in front of them?! Gorgeous! After the movie, we went and saw Lazombie (fire dancer) at Shiggity Shack bar.


                                  Beers with Jessica and Tyler:

Day 5 -  A depressing and scarey lectures about balancing life and the counseling center.  Then an exciting lecture about our curriculum and what we have to look forward to.  We then spent the rest of the afternoon running errands, putting money in our new bank accounts, and buying our groceries.  There was a huge BBQ for dinner. 

Day 6- Catamaran trip to Nevis!  We have all been looking forward to this trip all week long!  The weather was perfect although we did get some rain for about 1 minute.

                                          Our Catamaran:

                                           Underwater view:

                  
                                             Snorkeling:

                                                St. Kitts:

                                                Nevis:

So the rest of today as well as tomorrow I am probably going to relax and get mentally ready for school!  I will post again after this week so you can find out first impressions of my classes!  Be sure to check out more pictures on my facebook page!

Arrived!

I have arrived in St. Kitts!  Of course, I did not get any sleep because of new years, my suitcases were overweight and I had to rearrange, and my carry-ons were so full that the TSA wanted to look through them.  All of my suitcases have arrived safety though! I have already met my orientation group and went to the grocery store so that I'm ready for my first week, which is going to be very busy!  I am now going to set up my room and get ready for the island tour tomorrow.  Pictures to come when I'm more settled!