I can’t believe my first semester is rapidly coming to a close! It’s hard to believe how much I have learned in these 15 weeks. From the first day of classes until the start of finals, our heads have gotten jam-packed with information. Vergence tracing, cranial nerves, and AC/A ratios fill every free spot in my brain as I am preparing for my first round of finals at SCO. As my last post of the semester before I can relax back home in Jersey, I thought I would share my favorite 3 experiences of the semester.
- Just keep…running? I had no idea that there were so many awesome 5Ks in the Memphis area this fall. I participated in fun runs like The Color Run and The Ugly Sweater 5K with other members of my class. Besides being a total blast, it was a great way to hang out with my classmates outside of school and get some much needed exercise. I also participated in SVOSH’s Eye 5K, which helps support SVOSH’s medical missions trips this upcoming May. I’m hoping to participate in the St. Jude half marathon next year after seeing the runners this year. Am I crazy? Probably.
- Jumping on the Grizz bandwagon. Ok, ok I’ll admit that I wasn’t a Memphis Grizzlies fan before moving down here. But with being so close to the Fed Ex Forum and having a Tony Allen cut out picture on the side of our building, it’s hard not to get caught up in the grit and grind fever. Catching a Grizz game is a popular way to forget about our studying for a night and relax. If for no other reason, Justin Timberlake is part owner and has been spotted by my classmates at games. Plus, they beat the once undefeated Knicks. Go Grizz!
- Which is better, 1 or 2? By the end of the semester, the first years finally got to the point of asking during our theory lab, “Take a look at that image out there. Which is better, 1 or 2?” For the first time, we feel like real student doctors. After practicing retinoscopy and manifest refraction with each other for weeks, it was finally time to put our skills to the test and have our techniques graded while finding the prescription of a 3rd year. I have never been more nervous for a practical. I tried to remember the 3rd year that was my patient was once in my shoes preforming his first graded manifest refraction. I made it through the practical fine and got great feedback from the doctor. I’ll be sure not to forget everything I learned this semester over break!