We have already had four exams. Mini 1 part 1 (50ish questions) and Mini 2 part 2 (81questions) which was 45% of our grade. We had a Histology exam which was 2% of our grade and Anatomy practical which was 3%. For the remainder of our grade (for this block) we have a Final (45%), Histology (2%) and another Anatomy Practical (3%). We have four blocks this semester. The final includes each block. Ross University has changed their curriculum and grading scale to become more “systems based” as many other medical schools are currently doing. This new academic program was a bit confusing (to myself, my colleagues, and staff), but I’m certain I understand it now. In regards to how I am doing “academic wise,” welllll….I was not doing as well as I would have liked. However, I have now found my “study pattern” and I am seeing improvements. In the beginning I found the information to be a bit overwhelming. I am accustomed to it now, and it seems to be coming together much better. I have been using what they call “media –site.” This is a program where you can watch the lectures online because they have been recorded. It honestly saves so much time (you can double speed slow talking professors) so I can concentrate on certain subjects more efficiently. If I need more time for pharmacology for example, I have it. For Anatomy, we are required to do one dissection a week. We also have TA sessions, and have access to lab almost all the time. Ross’ motto for Anatomy lab is: “learn one, do one, teach one.” Therefore, students rotate dissections and presentations. In addition, we have a pass/fail course called problem based learning (PBL) where we are introduced to a case, and our team has to solve the case. This is where I excel. We conduct research, write reports, and present our findings. It’s actually pretty cool and I have great team members.
Otherwise, I love the island, the culture, and surprisingly the ocean (despite the saltiness). Our neighbors do our laundry, clean our place once a week, and let us play with their goats!! (aka Ken’s Kids). Dominica is extremely beautiful and there is so much to see. We visited “Emerald Pool” on a Sunday and it was breathtaking. Ken is enjoying his time here. He is working at a restaurant called Tomato and he is becoming a certified Scuba Diver. He has met other spouses and hangs out with them frequently. Together we enjoy church, Ping-Pong, and going down to the beach in our spare time. (Which is 5 minute walk!!!) Church is nice. Ken has been winning in Ping-Pong. In the ocean yesterday, I saw purple fish, blue fish, and a purple/clearish eel! Eek! I also got stung by something- it was very, very minor- folks. As far as being in the JUNGLE… the bugs are actually okay…there are lizards, ants, and mosquitos EVERYWHERE. Weather: always 80-90F and it has been raining a lot (it’s rainy season), so you do have to carry and umbrella everywhere you go. We were thinking about getting a dog…we’ll see how that goes. I think it would be fun! The vaccinations are cheap, taking them back to America is not bad- as far as pricing, and many dogs need homes. However, as mom reminded us, we need to check into the price of dog food, and other care- if need be.
GO STATE!!!!!
If anyone wants to come and visit, this place is just down the road....
They have a resturant, spa, and rooms.
Beautiful pictures!! And I'm glad you're doing so well...stay away from sea urchins!! LU!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. :) Seems you are busy but doing well.
ReplyDelete