Half Way Through!!

     This fall semester is only a few days from drawing to a close and it is hard to believe how much I have developed in the past few months. Mostly due to the motivation brought about by impending exams, I have managed to learn more than I ever thought possible about pharmacology as well as about myself. I have overcome many expected and unexpected obstacles, such as monthly Battle Assemblies with my Army Unit, an exciting bout with appendicitis, and the joyful burden of being a new parent while my husband is away fulfilling his Army commitments. Thus far, I believe that I have certainly experienced the true meaning of a University. I have grown in academic knowledge as well as scientific and medical experience, and most of all in a sort of self development and understanding of what the impact of medicine is, as well as my potential role in the field of medicine. Through reflecting on my experiences in this blogging portfolio, I have cemented in my mind all the enrichment that this Masters Program has made available to me.

(Community Service hours summary: 15 hrs between KIPP and Anesthesiology)

Another Month Flown By....

This past month has brought about many new and wonderful experiences here in New Orleans. In addition to beginning the necessary classes to work for the anesthesiology department in research, I have begun volunteering at the KIPP charter school. Volunteering at the KIPP school has been a most enriching opportunity.

The KIPP school is located near downtown New Orleans very close to Tulane Medical School. The exterior of the building is very beautiful and the architecture is in the old fashioned style that is so common in New Orleans, but it is what is n the inside that is the most magnificent. Within its walls, the school provides education, nurturing, and an encouraging environment for children to grow as individuals. Each class is given a title of a well known college. For example, Ms Smith’s Third Grade Class might be known as Emory or Xavier or Tulane. The walls are filled with memorabilia from many well-respected universities as well as art work and projects from the students.

Though I have not yet had much direct contact with the children themselves, I have spent enough time at the school to get a comprehensive understanding of all that this school does for underprivileged children. The value of education is no secret and the negative effects of a lack of education are equally well known. This school ensures that no child in New Orleans will have to suffer from a want of education and the atmosphere at the school enkindles in the children a desire and passion for learning and curiosity and academic motivation at an early age. This experience in a child’s life is so instrumental in helping mold these beautiful children and allowing them to fulfill their utmost potential to become all they can be. 

(14 hrs community service)