year 2

It's been over a year since I last posted, and still shocked that I'm an OMS-II and am on my last unit of didactics (neurology – yippee, jk, it's challenging but so interesting). I glance at my previous blog post on November 2021 and chuckle as I finish reading. It's crazy to think didactics are almost over, and the dreaded "B" word – boards – are right around the corner.
 
Since my last post, by the grace of God, I have finished my first year of medical school. I had the privilege of going on a Spring break trip to Denver with my college best friends. I went to the Philippines this past summer with my family, which was much-needed (posts coming soon). I had a chance to explore different areas in the Philippines outside my family's hometown, like the beautiful beaches of Boracay and the exciting city of Bacolod.

But back to my last post, I must be honest. I was getting bogged down by the noise in medical school. During that time was our Unit 2, which was the musculoskeletal system, our first "real" unit of medical school since Unit 1 was a unique mash-up unit. I told myself I wouldn't compare myself to the other students in my class, and I still found myself comparing. I thought I had gotten over this part of myself before medical school. Still, sadly there were moments when my old habit of comparison kept creeping back in. I didn't know how to study effectively, and I didn't know how to prioritize my free time. I spent my weekends trying to catch up and felt terrible when hanging out with my friends or family, knowing I should be studying.

Thankfully since then, I've made some changes that have brought remarkable results and some aches and pains along the way. I've cultivated my existing friendships and deepened my current medical school friendships. I've also lost and been hurt by some friendships along the way. It's crazy how medical school sometimes feels like high school and how challenging it is to maintain healthy adult friendships. I've learned to lean in on my support system a LOT – you know who you are. Thank you.
I learned to effectively study and be okay with taking days off to spend time with my family and friends. My work-life balance isn't perfect, but I am learning to prioritize it before entering an even busier part of the medical school journey – rotations, residency, and attending life. I learned to be okay with not studying all the time and that self-care is vital on this lifelong journey of medicine. I became comfortable with not knowing everything there is to know about a subject and just doing my best. I've learned to not have as much “fomo” when I don't get invited to or get to attend significant life events due to school. Lastly, I've accepted that medical school can be so lonely at times and how much I cannot do this without the grace of God guiding me. 

Learning about the human body has been such a unique and humbling experience. Each intricate part of this journey has been another way for me to appreciate God's amazingness. He designed every aspect of our body and how it works. Being a Christian in medical school has had its own set of challenges but learning to trust God in a more profound way has been truly vital for my growth in my faith. Getting plugged into a local church, CMDA and having accountability church buddies has been great.
Yeah, not every day is fabulous, and some days are more challenging than others. Still, I am grateful and blessed to be stressing about neurology and boards. I learned to cultivate a heart of thankfulness and remind myself how past me prayed about getting into medical school and living this current dream.

​Lastly, I learned to make time for hobbies. Cooking has become a hobby that I prioritize and a new joy in my life. I've been trying to perfect my Filipino sinigang recipe and learn how to make other types of cuisines and other healthier and cheaper options. I'm excited to share my cooking endeavors with you and hopefully start posting recipes.
I'm entering a season of board studying, which is frankly daunting. Regardless, I know God is still in control, and it will all be okay. I am excited about the growth I experienced this past year and look forward to the development and challenges that boards will bring me. Please keep my classmates and me in your prayers as I enter this new season of life.

Until next time,
The girl with upside down dimples