Today we had our first set of exams (mini exams) of the term. I have been working SO hard every single day. My learning style is by repetition. I have to see it, write it, speak it, listen to it... over and over and over again. Some people just seem to 'get it' and sometimes I just 'get it' however, I have attributed my studying success to this repetition-the constant exposure and practice to engrain the skill and form the solid foundation I am going to need as a future physician and current student!
So,writing the exam was something I have been anxiously awaiting as it would be a good gauge as to the effectiveness of my studying.
The test was at 0900 today and after cutting my studying off at midnight last night, I woke up early, quickly glanced over those last minute details and went to the exam where I felt pretty good for the majority of questions. There are always those concepts that I remember studying, writing down-I even remember the pages and colors-but I cannot make out the actual details in my mind that are needed to answer a particular question and that drives me nuts. NUTS! (That happened a few times today...I completely blanked on prion diseases and then jumbled the particular notes for different types of collagen and cartilage in the fore front of my mind).
After the test I knew that it had gone well and I was confident that I at least passed-but of course I wanted to do better than passing! Grades are not posted immediately. My friends and I went to the beach to 'relax'-something we have not done since before school began. It was so nice to take a breather after the work we have put in. Around here-a good weekend consists of using the extra two days of un-interuppted- 'no new information' time to study everything we have been thrown during the week in lecture. However, most (basically all) of our beach time this afternoon was spent arguing over our answers and defending why we each chose what we did. Ha-one girl kept yelling at us to 'just relax.' :) I am blessed to have such passionate study mates!
So in summation, my results came back.....good news! It was the confirmation and validation I needed. We don't get many chances to earn our points here-so the very few exams and quizzes we're given are really important. I can only thank God for how today went and more over-how the past 3 weeks have gone. It is really a daily thing. Like I said in the last post-'Repetition is the foundation of skill.' My performance is based on the things I practice over and over.
Lastly, as of now...I LOVE biochemistry!
It is my favorite class! (I hope this stays the case all term hahah). It is tough and requires time-but I love the breakthrough when I understand it-and go beyond just memorizing it. I like how it can be integrated with subjects like histology and anatomy and relating all these subjects to each other makes it more meaningful. I often think back to my undergrad days-when I took chemistry courses-ranging from general to organic-and always struggled. It is still hard-but there is something about it I like....
Ok-back to business. Next big exam is in 4 weeks with a bunch of little things in between. But those little things are additive in nature and will contribute to how I do.
Until then...!
-Prayer: Philippians 1:6 & 4:1-
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