Semester Review- Yr 2 Sem 2| A writing hiatus…

 

Spoiler Alert: It wasn’t a bad semester, one of my most consistent concerning keeping up during the semester and getting those coursework marks where I wanted. If only the final exams were the same… 

This semester required more from me in terms of managing my workload and ongoing research project, honoring leadership commitments, and forging new friendships. Each pruned my ability to prioritize, sacrifice and sharpen my vision on what’s important. 

One of the most important concepts I have gained a greater appreciation for after this semester is Opportunity Cost. According to Investopedia, Opportunity cost is the forgone benefit that would have been derived by an option not chosen. This pretty much means, by doing one thing and spending time on this commitment, endeavor, and/or responsibility you automatically deny yourself the ability, time, and/or benefit of doing something else. Now can you see how prioritization, sacrifice and knowing what’s important was tested at extreme lengths? 

As I previously alluded to, my course work went well and when pressure was applied diamonds were forged. However, when it comes to final exams, it is almost cynical how consistently inconsistent the method of evaluation has been since the pandemic. This time we got MCQs; it was 70 questions in 1hr and 45 mins and 90 questions in 2hrs and 15 mins for two of the main courses. That works out to be 1min and 30 secs per question and in many instances questions were paragraph(s) long. Sounds like “ Race Against Time: MBBS Edition,” right?

Thank God for grace, mercy, wisdom, knowledge, and peace! Having completed each exam with time to spare and furthermore not failing any, I can stand on the promise of God that His grace is sufficient. 

But I’m also here to leave some advice for those who will be where I once was at the beginning of this semester.  

Quick Advice:

• Try to take a break for Christmas after Semester 1 but once 1st January hits start back some work. Lightly start reviewing some muscles, bones, and joints content. (It feels like too much if you wait till the MBJ block to start familiarizing yourself with all 206 bones, etc.)
•  Use visuals on YouTube, especially if you are still at home due to the pandemic. 
• Check out Anatomy Zone and Anatomy Knowledge for some great resources on YouTube. 
• Draw concepts. Some things won’t register until you make that hand-brain connection. 
• You don’t need to go to all the lectures once you are making sure of those allocated periods and either doing self-directed learning or resting in preparation for independent study. 
  

 

The quickest recipe for getting burnt out is going to EVERY lecture and trying to cram the mountains of content in

 the unaccounted slots in your timetable. 

 

• Take up more responsibility in clubs or extracurricular activities. Don’t avoid these roles or positions; they teach you how. to better manage your time. Time management is a skill I liken to a muscle, therefore it only gets better once you exercise it (regularly). 
• Find some questions and do them. Try testing your knowledge as often as possible even if it means you create the questions yourself. 

Closing Advice:

• Don’t overlook friendships. 
• Pace yourself and find what works for you. 
• Don’t neglect God. 
• Don’t get complacent. 
• Be honest with yourself. 
• Make time to rest; physically and in God’s presence. 
• Grades aren’t everything.
•  Passing is still an accomplishment to be proud of. 

Wow, I’m in Year 3 already?!