Passion Seeks Knowledge

Friendship and building relationship with people was something I had struggled with throughout my childhood. This pharmacology program brought me to the city that is known for it's southern hospitality. I have made so many friends here, more than I ever thought possible. At times I wish the program would never end.

As we approach 2015, the pressure builds. Next semester not only do I need to continue studying hard for this program, I also need to start preparing my med school applications and to study for the MCAT once again. I have just started on my personal statement and the inevitable question of why medical school. My answer to that question remains on the same focus as I did two years ago when I applied the first time. However, I have grown as a person and gained some more insight into a life devoted to medicine. The dream is still there but it is sharper now with a clearer path to the goal. This program gave me a glimpse into the rigor of medical school and the importance of life-long learning to a career in medicine. There were times in this program that I felt like giving up and it has really taught me what it means to have passion. Back in my undergraduate study there were classes I was required to take where I only studied to get good grades but I didn't have passion for the material. On the other hand, the pharmacology program is much harder than any class I had ever encountered but I never want to give up because passion seeks knowledge. The passion I have for medicine fuels the late-night studies (along with cans of Monsters of course). Having to study is no longer a sacrifice but enjoyable and satisfying.

Volunteer hour tally:

09/06/2014    0745-1700 Habitat for Humanity (8 hrs)

09/13/2014    0745-1600 Habitat for Humanity (8 hrs)

10/03/2014    1400-1800 KIPP (4 hrs)

10/04/2014    1000-1500 KIPP (5 hrs)

10/08/2014    1300-1600 KIPP (3 hrs)

Total hours for the semester: 32 hrs

Overview of semester: Time flew by this semester. I've learned a lot over the past few months, not only academically but also socially. I'm grateful for the experience and the opportunity. Although I may not remember every single drug, their mechanisms, interactions, and toxicities, I think it's safe to say that I will never forget the people and the life lessons I've gained here. 

New Orleans, The City That Lives On

The view from the parking garage on campus is breathtaking. No matter how bad of day I had I could always enjoy the view for a few minutes before climbing in my car and everything that happened during the day would become trivial. On a good day, the sun shines through the foliage and lights up the grass and the skyscrapers in a way that transcends tranquility and promises unlimited possibilities for the future. I had seen local school children practice their band songs in the park. Their practice drew crowds and mesmerized them. On a bad day the fog descends on the city and muffles the sound of people bustling in the distance. The charm of New Orleans is the combination of people, culture, and history that translates into the endless festivals and celebrations. I would say that New Orleans is a city that never sleeps because there is always something going on in this city but that title is already taken by New York City, and therefore, I say New Orleans is the City that Lives On. And I am sure no matter where I end up for medical school, New Orleans will always live on in my heart.

Habitat for Humanity (Take #2)

I had such a great experience volunteering at Habitat for Humanity last time that I decided to do it again. This time our group was graced with some shade and light rain in the afternoon. Two of my fellow classmates and I got assigned to attic duty (i.e. putting up insulation) and the three of us quickly worked up a good sweat. When I walked outside with sweat dripping down I felt invincible. The homeowner was working with us on this particular day. She was a very sweet lady, always smiling and eager to land a hand. Her and I formed an assembly line to carry the insulation up to the attic, and she told me all about her family as we worked. It made the work feel so much more meaningful to have the opportunity to meet the homeowner and interact with her. This volunteering was a completely different experience from the first time.

As we progress through the program I have more and more appreciation for practicing physicians. The intricacies of the human body, the disease states, and how the drugs interact with the body to alter the disease state intertwine to tell a delicate story that is pharmacology. There are so many variables that need to be considered in any given scenario with the patients' wellbeing at stake. I cannot wait to go to medical school after this program so I can learn about the rest of the story of medicine.

Volunteer hour tally:
9/6    0745-1700    Habitat for Humanity (8 hrs)
9/13  0745-1600    Habitat for Humanity (8 hrs)
10/3  1400-1800    KIPP (4 hrs)
10/4  1000-1500    KIPP (5 hrs)
10/7  1400-1700    KIPP (3 hrs)
10/8  1300-1600    KIPP (3 hrs)

Habitat for Humanity

As I drove passed the Welcome to Louisiana sign, my mind started to race. This is where I will be for the next year while I attend Tulane University's master program in pharmacology. The reality hadn't quite set in just yet as I looked at all the oddly named roads. I am going to have some serious trouble navigating here, I thought to myself. Maybe I will make some local friends who could teach me how to pronounce "Dalrymple." As I pull up to one of my prospective rental duplexes, I wasn't sure if I was more excited or more nervous. I had never been to New Orleans before or know anyone here. Now that I have been here for two months I can see why it has the reputation of being the coolest city in the US. The city has a rich history and culture combined with the souther hospitality and creole cuisine. It's enough to make any visitor forget about home. I've gained twelve pounds in two months and I regret nothing! Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity was a new experience for me. I was not very excited about working in the Louisiana heat and humidity when I signed up, but working with several of my new friends from the program the time flew by fast. We had a blast and the visible progress we made on the house was more satisfying than I could've imagined.