Too Busy?

Wow. This blog has not been updated for over a year. The last post isn't even a legit blog post but is post for a contest. Why so? Have I been too busy to go online? Hell no. The past 3 years in medschool, I have always been the kind of student who still checks her FB account, 9gag (need to stop this) tumblr (this one I update more - part of the new goals) and other things to waste my time even during exam weeks.

I think it's necessary to have these breaks since I easily feel the need to sleep and these distractions nudge me awake.

This update is just to inform any readers that this blog will probably not be updated anymore (but blogger now has a better interface! Tagal kong di bumabalik!) since clerkship starts in a little over a month. I'm anxious but hoping for the best!

Erratic

The first shifting exams are a week away. We've taken the long exams in our major subjects. The first long exams yielded favorable results but after just taking the second Biochemistry long exam, I'm feeling so down. I do not think I did a good job. This sucks because I studied before the exam. I can stomach my failed second long exam in Anatomy because I slept more than I studied but in Biochemistry, I studied fairly enough. Granted, I also fell asleep and did not finish studying so I was cramming during the lecture (which made me get low marks in the quizzes) but I think I could have done a better job. The exam had potential to be doable if you've studied well enough. Okay... after writing that line above, I realized that I did not study well enough. :(

This is such a disorganized post (much like my ethics paper).

Because of the toxicity of medical school and the long travel time, I have been sleeping only a few hours per day. This is not good because when I'm reviewing I find it hard to keep my eyes open thus I cannot finish studying.

I seriously need to manage my time well. Hell week in a week but next week is already hellish as well.

Enrollment

I am now officially enrolled as a first year medical student in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. The process was relatively quick. Jill and I arrived around 9 am and we finished by 11 am. A quick run-down for my reference (just in case).

1. We paid P30.00 for the SSC fund and had our enrollment procedure paper stamped. We also received a pin here which I really don't know what it's for. :S [There was no one in line here so it was a breeze!]
2.Next we fell in line to pay P70.00 for the Ang Pamantasan and obtained our enrollment stub (the paper which shows your subjects and how much you'll pay). [There was a somewhat long line but it moved fast enough]
3. Then we proceeded to the cashier where there was a long line but by a stroke of luck we were included in the line for the second cashier. How very fortunate! The line was cut about two to three persons before me. That was a shortcut but I couldn't help feeling guilty that we sort of cut the line.
4. Next was the long wait for the registration form and class cards. We were seated and just waited for our names to be called. I don't really know why it took quite a while but it was alright since we were talking to future batchmates and upperclassmen while waiting.
5.We processed our library cards and had the registration form and class cards photocopied.
*missed step - Pay student council fund (another P100.00, I think) Since there were a good number that bypassed this step, I guess it's not such a biggie. We'll do this on Monday.
6. We went to the CM office and passed one of the photocopies. We asked about the second list and start of classes but their answer was not good news.
7. Last step was to pass the other photocopy to the Accounting office and we are now officially enrolled!

In the two hours we've stayed at PLM, we've been acquainted with some future batchmates and a few students from the higher years. Out of the batchmates we've met, I think there was only one person who's also from our section. I checked our schedule and looks like Physiology is on Tuesday meaning we won't have that class this week since June 8 is orientation day. I really checked this since we have to read eight chapters already and I just finished the first chapter yesterday (and I'm still proud of that albeit my slow pace). I'm starting to get really nervous as school will start in a couple of days. Our first subject is Histology and in the afternoon we'll have Family and Community Medicine. I'm quite sure we wouldn't immediate start the teaching-learning thing yet. There would be introductions and such since it is the first day and I just get nervous about that. I get nervous talking in front of people I don't know quite often! I still don't know what to bring too and being sick is not helping my nerves.

I'm bugged that the office has not yet released a second list of qualified applicants. I have friends waiting for that list and they are really deserving to be there. I just hope they'll release it on Monday morning. It's unfair that they have to miss a few classes because the list will be released late. Let's just pray that the list will come out soon and that all people deserving to be in it are there.

Journey to Medschool: Introduction

There are only a few days to go before school starts and I am getting really nervous. I don't think I'm already fully prepared to study full time again. Plus, I want to do better this time around. I want to really read and not just use the books as a paperweight/display. I need to fix my body clock lest I fall asleep in front of the professor.

If the seat arrangement would be alphabetical, I'd probably be in the first row since I am third in the list of our section (D). Guess who my seatmate would be? None other than Jill (again) if it is alphabetical, that is. I was disappointed that we weren't in section C since that's where two friends are. I just hope Eian will be in section D so we at least have one friend.

I plan to write a slew of posts about entering medical school from the NMAT application to the enrollment. I want to continue writing to improve with time. This would be a push to write, I guess. Will there be time during medschool? I pray the class would be moved to the 15th.

First Online Shopping Experience and Medical Books

There are so many online stores in the world wide web and many times have I wanted to buy something yet my cautiousness told me not to. I finally ordered something online when I decided to buy second-hand medical books to save money. Books used by medical students are really pricey if bought brand new!

Jill, mom, and I scoured for prices of second hand books in Recto a few weeks ago. We only bought two books: Textbook of Medical Physiology by Guyton 11th ed and Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 25th ed. The Physiology book was a great find since it's the newest edition and a new book costs about P3350 in bookstores and Jill got it for only P2200. It's also in great condition and it seems that the previous owner did not read it much. Hopefully, we'll be able to read a lot more! The newest edition of our biochemistry book is 28th so Jill's copy is three editions back. A new book costs a little above P1400 and Jill got the second-hand 25th edition book for P500.

We don't plan to buy an atlas for Anatomy anymore since Janelle has a Netter's atlas which Jill and I will share since we're probably going to be classmates. Our youngest sister also has a Histology bookthat we can use. Brief recap: Jill still lacks an Anatomy and Neuroanatomy book.

Now to my finds...

Jill and I looked online for other books since we need a set of books each. Other not so necessary books, we'll try to share. I was very fortunate to come across an ad in sulit offering various second hand medical books at cheap prices. I contacted the owner and after clearing it with mom, placed my order. The only snags in this first time shopping was that the doctor selling the books was very busy and was not able to reply right away at times because of her time schedule. When I was finally able to deposit the payment (Wednesday afternoon), the seller had them sent the day after and I received it the next day (Friday).

The books were in good condition. The original owner really read them (basing on the highlights) but was very careful with the books. There are no tears, wrinkles or anything of that sort. I hope I could take care of the books as well as her and also that I would read them and put them to good use.

Anyways, it was great that my first online shopping was favorable. I wasn't duped  by the seller. I wasn't disappointed with the products. I am very happy with my purchase and savings. Before I forget, one thing I don't like about buying stuff online is the expensive shipping fee. The fee for the five books I bought was P750. They were heavy though, but still.

Here are the list of books I was able to buy and their prices.
Guyton's Textbook of Medical Physiology 10th ed (newest ed is 11th) P1500
Junquierra's Basic Histology: Text and Atlas with CD 10th ed (newest ed is 12th) P500
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 26th ed (newest ed is 28th) P500
Snell's Clinical Anatomy by Regions 7th ed (newest ed is 8th) P600
Snell's Clinical Neuroanatomy for Medical Students 5th ed. ((newest ed is 7th) P500

The books' total cost is P3600 and there P750 for the shipping so altogether that's P4350. The good doctor discounted it further (I asked even if I knew it was already a good price) and the final payment was only P3800. Hurray for a great find and for such a generous doctor. She also gave freebies in the form of powerpoint presentations and lectures in a DVD. God bless you, Dr. Chette.

I saved a whole lot which can be used for other necessary things for school. The estimated costs for those five books (new edition prices) would be P12000+. Yes, medical school is THAT EXPENSIVE. I just pray we'd be able to find good books that are inexpensive for Jill and for our future years in school.

Spring Cleaning and Preparations

I've finally been able to do that which I long planned. I deleted friends from my facebook account that aren't really friends (since I added people and placed them in a list that's private for games). I also was able to weed out the other posts here in blogspot. Other things to do is to clean up tabulas and then delete. It's difficult since I want to read the old posts and it's just terrible. I was like that before?!

I'm also going to quit playing Mafia Wars. I've been addicted for such a LOOOONG time. I want to be able to focus on medschool and I don't want distractions as stupid as facebook.

About medschool, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila finally released their results last Thursday, May 20, 2010. It's just the first list and it does not include those who have just taken their lacking units this summer as far as I can tell. Thankfully, Jill and I are in the list.

Here's a link to the list courtesy of BMS. Official list of PLM CM Batch 2014

I'm really nervous about medschool. I really want to do well in class and in the profession. I received the second hand books I bought online yesterday and they're all in good condition. Thanks Doc!

This is my first post in this blog in a long time since I opted to write in LJ for a while when I was too lazy to make a Google account.

Summer

Finally, after three years of not being able to go swimming, I was able to swim last Easter Sunday. Jordy invited us to her family's outing at Laguna since it's her last year here. :(

We stayed at a private resort called Villa Lucci at Pansol, Laguna. It had a private pool and kiddie pool that was only filled with unchlorinated water when we arrived. There were also three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Other amenities include a billiard table, videoke, and cabanas. It was so much fun even if there are just a few of us left in our barkada. I'm going to miss them so much. I'm very grateful that Jordana and her family treated us to this outing.

Sarah passed the NCLEX! Her results came out really quick, actually. Just three to four days, I think. We are all so proud and happy for her.

I'll just return to our Laguna trip. Since it was Easter, we heard mass at the local parish. I was approached by one lady to offer a thanksgiving during the offertory. I was hesitant since I didn't want to walk but when I saw that we would be many I agreed. (I was trying to pass the envelope to my friends and Jordy's dad.) Obviously, the thanksgiving is for Sarah's NCLEX and the graduation of Bear and Justine, Jordy's sister. I listed down petitions as well for NCLEX, medschool, and work. I rounded up the group's sentiments (at least my opinion of their wishes).

Going back to Manila and the real world (aka non-vacation mode) meant the long awaited results for PLM. There's still no result posted until now but hopefully tomorrow (which is actually later) they'll post it. Jill and I got our grades for one of our required unit subjects. I just wonder how the grading system is there, though since it wasn't explained to us. Also, how will our alma mater convert that? Questions... I will ask on Monday probably.

Last but not least, after so many months of putting it off I have conquered one of my dental fears. I finally had an oral prophylaxis/cleaning. Thanks Mom! Sorry at napakaarte ko bago masimulan. Next stop pasta and impaction. Courage, don't fail me now. Lord, thanks for granting my prayer that it wouldn't hurt. Help me again during the next treatments. :)

Results

A few schools have released results two weeks ago and a few more are expected to release results this week. UPCM released their accepted applicants for AY 2010-2011 and sad to say, friends of mine didn't get in (except one HS batchmate) . I guess that's how competitive it is. I'm slightly glad that I was cut at the first stage since it would've hurt more to be cut post-interview.

Surprisingly, PLM released the list for interview/those who passed the MCAT. I'd post the links to pictures of the list here but it would be nonsensical since the last interview schedule is tomorrow. It came on a Wednesday as one person from pinoymd PLM forum said. I just remembered the frustrations of waiting for those results which were postponed for weeks and days. Thankfully, the results were favorable.

Fast forward to a week later and our interview day arrived. Coincidentally, the 18th was also the day I had to report on my Biochem topic but I won't write about what Jill did to me! hahaha. Can't get over it... (as a half-joke to her). Anyways, after class, we went back to Mom and got ready for our interview at 1 pm.

Jill and I were both wearing long sleeve polo shirts. Oh my gosh. Super duper hot was the result of our choice. Ack. I was even more annoyed at the fact that I could've worn short sleeves when no other girl was wearing long sleeves. Hay. A lot weren't wearing interview attire. This post is taking much of my time to type when I should already be sleeping since we have class early in the morning tomorrow.

Unfortunately, the interviewer we got isn't a friendly one (very much unlike our UE interviewer). He didn't introduce himself so I'm not sure if the name we refer to him when Jill and I discuss it is correct. The interview was very brief and I won't go into details since I am trying to forget some aspects of it as well. I felt like I was a blubbering idiot. I said things that maybe shouldn't have been said and left things out that I think I shouldn't have. Haaay. Hopefully, God will make a way to make things work for us.

Oh, and second to the last thing before I end this post... we met lots of people during that short time. Current students and prospective students were obviously around and we were acquainted with some of them. Some med students, Jill and I have already met during the MCAT and others were new acquaintances. I was most excited about seeing my potential future classmates. I only had the chance to talk with a few of them since Jill and I busied ourselves with Harry Potter chapters (stupid thing to do, in retrospect.. should've just discussed the interview. Past is past.

Lastly, why o why can't I think of a good reply to "Tell me about yourself."

P.S. I really hope and pray that PLM, UST, and all the other schools my friends and I applied to would release their results next week and that the results will be cause for celebration! :D

Waiting

One of the hardest things for me to do is to wait. I really dislike waiting because I am impatient. I want to change this but I can't expect a drastic difference anytime soon.

So what am I waiting for? It's what hundreds of MDs-to-be are waiting for - the results. Ack. I hope my friends and I get accepted into our medschools of choice. So far, four of my college friends have schools to enroll in but more are still waiting. Most schools will release in a week or two. Hopefully, PLM is included here! Hahaha. That would just be the interview shortlist though and there would be another waiting period for the list of students qualified for admission.

I just really pray we'll all be able to enter this June and of course, do well in our respective schools.

I just keep myself occupied by reading, watching TV, and of course internet stuff. Right now, I enjoy tinkering with looks on the site looklet. Try it, it's fun! Still, because of these new distractions, I haven't been able to reread my old blogs and delete some parts. I just set them to private so no one else can read the embarrassing posts my childish self published years ago. I hope I can clean it up someday soon! Here's to hoping though. ;P

PLM MCAT

I told Jill I was going to write about the MCAT's content after we've taken it. I think this information should be available to MCAT takers who know how to search for it. I really did not like studying for a test not knowing what it's about.

The MCAT has two parts. I'll start with part 2 since it is easier to describe. It's basically a psych exam that supposedly measures your value system and emotional quotient.

The first part has five tests which has subtests in each of them. I just want to say that it's hard - much harder than the NMAT. A big factor which caused the difficulty is that I didn't know what would be asked. They just say that it's like the NMAT.

I beg to differ. The five tests are English, Behavioral Sciences, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Numerical Ability.

I'm not going to be overly detailed because maybe it's a secret... hahaha, but I doubt that.

The English part was moderately difficult because of the vocabulary part which for me had multiple meanings. Weirdly, it was mostly about computers. I wondered why. The time limit was short which adds to the stress. Numerical ability is obviously Mathematics. That was the hardest part for me because I didn't get to study the topics in that exam.

Natural Sciences included Chemistry, Physics, Geology (weird, right!?). I'm not sure if I missed anything. Life Sciences was about Botany and Zoology. It also asked about Anatomy. Behavioral Sciences is all about Psychology.

That's about it. It's really a lot harder than the NMAT but it could be easier if one can prepare. The best way to prepare is to know what the content is, in my opinion. It's too bad no one could answer us prior to the MCAT. Hahaha.

Still, I hope my friends and I will be accepted by PLM-CM.

DABDA

Wow. This day brought major bad news. I'll stay on the positive side, though. The bad news I'm talking about is that Jill and I didn't make it to the shortlist for interview at UPCM. I felt bad for a few hours because I really was boggled why we didn't make it. I have theories that are highly likely but I still am just saddened that a high NMAT score couldn't cut it. Plus, I don't think my GWA is bad. On a positive note, I believe God has a plan and a reason for everything. That's why I'll accept this failure gracefully and use it as a motivation to do well in whichever medschool I will study in.

A short story on the finding out that we weren't on the list:
Jill logged on to pinoymd.com and checked the thread about UPCM. A member posted that the list for interview was out and she'll be posting pictures. I got anxious, nervous, and prayed. I texted a friend who also applied if he has a friend who's in UP at that moment to check. Since he didn't reply ASAP, I called my sister hoping it was still lunch break for her and that she'll pick up. On the second try, she answered and was really cooperative. I was surprised. Hahaha. After a while, my sister texted that we weren't on the list.

First stage of Grief: Denial. "Baka nagkamali lang siya" (which is really not probable since she's not stupid nor is she blind, with her glasses on at least) "Baka nagjojoke lang siya" (I don't think she would do something like that)
Second stage: Anger. Why?! Why?! It's so unfair. Blahs. Our effort was wasted. (but hopefully, we'll be accepted into the other schools we've applied to)
Third Stage: Bargaining. "Lord, sana mali lang si Janelle. Sana may chance pa."
Fourth Stage:Depression. I talked to Jordy and Sarah on the phone. They were using comforting words which triggered the tears. Thankfully, I didn't gush out because The end result will be headache and colds for me. (Jordy and Sarah really don't know how to comfort people, just like me and Jill!)
Fifth Stage: Acceptance. I understand that God has His ways. I fully entrust this medschool thing to Him. Maybe I won't be able to keep up there or I'd take some time adjusting to the teaching method. Whatever happens, I will do my best to be a good doctor.

This happened in a few hours, the longest was denial and acceptance and the other three were really short. I'm glad I was rational that time. I saw that our friend from UPCN got it. Congrats to you, Eian! I really hope and pray you'll get in! Oh, and there's also a Manresan there. Ang galing!

Again, back to ranting, it's not just Jill and me that I wonder about but also other girls I know about. They also have high NMAT scores, probably has a high grade, good people skills, and they're UP graduates. Hmmmm. It's hard to be a girl. I'm not just talking about UP. It's true for most medschools. I really have moments when I wish I were a boy. Argh, but not really.

So, for people who will get to read this... please pray for Jill and I (and our friends too!) to be accepted in PLM and UERM. I'm really hoping for PLM because of the affordable tuition. I know there's a scholarship for UE, but I'm not sure we'll get it and more importantly, if I can maintain it. Lord, help us.

I'll be posting about the MCAT yesterday at PLM. I won't post it yet since there's a second batch of MCAT takers and I don't want to provide leakage. :P

Reminiscences of the NMAT result

I woke got up this morning even if I still wanted to sleep some more because I had three brief but very anxiety-causing nightmares. I guess my subconscious was really hung up on the nmat result because all three had me nervous when I realized I was just dreaming.
Dream 1: Jill got 97 percentile, I got 42.
Dream 2: Jill got 93, I got 11.
Dream 3: I don't remember Jill's score just that mine was 0. Well, obviously the pattern was that we checked Jill's first and then mine. I woke up after that last one and turned the laptop on. I checked online for the results but still nada.

This whole day I kept checking my mail and the CEM website to see if they've put the results up. Anyways, in the evening when I checked CEM, it was faulty. The page didn't load for 20 minutes then went back again then gone again. Obviously, my immediate thought was "they're uploading it now!" which got me even more anxious.

A couple of hours after, I went to the sala to watch TV and after some time, Jill shouted out to call me to the room. I wondered if it's about the NMAT or she's just bugging me. Needless to say, it's the NMAT. Oh what stress that was. She had seen hers already and the page was loading slowly so mine hasn't loaded yet. She got 99 percentile which reminded me of my awful dream. I told her to check mine (all this with jittery fingers and voice) so she'll see it first and prepare me while I fidgeted on my phone thinking of who to call to allay my anxiety. Well, Jordy wasn't picking it up and I thought Kate, Angge or Jared since we all took the test. In the end I chose Jared because I wanted to choose Vicky. (weird reasoning.. hahaha). It's two birds in one stone I guess. Tell him that the result is there and talk to Vicky's other half and kinda alter ego.

Back to Jill, she got out the room and had this face which is slightly impassive but calm. I asked if she has opened my result yet and she said yes. I , being panicky, asked if it was okay and she just smiled and after some prodding finally said that it was.

It is such a great blessing that we have the same score. I am truly thankful to God for granting us this (maybe as our birthday and Christmas gifts). I am also very glad that the hard work has paid off but surely none of this without the grace of God and the intercessions of Mary and the saints through those days.

I really believe that anything is possible through Him. This makes me very happy.

I'd also like to share the prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

O most beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this necessity;
there are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein You are my Mother.
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee. (3x)
Sweet Mother, I place this cause in Your hands. (3x)