The last year according to my VSCOcam gallery

The last time I did something like this was well over a year ago (clearly) in an attempt to review the previous school year and to usher in the new one. I was putting this off for some time because there's something about the next school year that I haven't quite reconciled with. But I guess it's about time, and this post is sort of my way of saying that yes, I am in the process of accepting it.

So, the last year. Making it to my second year in medical school meant I was more confident about myself - a bit of a cocky belief, true, but that was what I felt when YL6 started. I kept telling myself that making it that far without having to go through removals said a lot about my capabilities. Of course, that statement has been challenged over and over throughout the year with weekly Monday exams and every other requirement we had to pass, but I'll be a third year medical student this coming August so it's safe to say I conquered YL6.

I had to go through several hardships, said goodbye to the weekend as I knew it, and was basically a zombie for almost the entire year. I say almost because it wasn't all hard work and no fun. There were good days, too (and nights. HAHAHA!) And I did promise myself that in spite of what YL6 entailed, I'd be more active and more involved in things outside of school, and I like to think I delivered on that promise. And as busy as the year was, it can't be ignored that it was during that time, too, that I reaffirmed my love for road trips and nature. So all in all, it was a good year.

And truly, I can't wait for YL7. Last year in the classroom and it's off to hospital rotations we go!

Onward and upward!

 Things:

• So I made it. And really, I am overjoyed. I have my private prayers but on top of my head, I just want to tell Him up there how truly grateful I am for ever staying by my side. Here's hoping for a smooth sailing through Year Level 7. But who am I kidding, really? This is medical school. 
• I will be going on a mini trip soon! I am beyond excited right now, can you tell? I've really missed being out there and I honestly can't wait to go back. Hopefully, the next time that I badger my already weary keyboard, I'd have lovely photos to write about!
• 51 years ago today, the only man I have ever truly loved, the same one to whom I owe everything, was born. We've done cheesy notes before so this year, in the event that you'll read this, allow me to say bluntly that I love you and that I will always be grateful for you. Happy Birthday, Daddy!

ASMPH Football Team, Palarong Medisina 2015

I've no words for what kind of person I am given this context. I've been busy with so many things and with Death March already making its existence very much felt, it's a wonder how I even have time to do this. But I think I had to, because any time later than now makes this post less and less relevant. So here it is.

Exploring the North Part 2

To everyone who has a reason to celebrate it, Happy Valentines Day! ♥

Now that that's out of the way, here's the second part of my Ilocos travel log. It took a long time, I know, but it's always better late than never, right? Anyway, days 2 and 3 had us exploring more of the province and with each minute, I was realizing just how much I've fallen in love with the place. We literally went everywhere - the trek to Kabigan Falls made for an excellent reason to bond with friends over random conversations; photo ops in Bantay Abot Cave had me finding out that some friends are scared of heights and that others have serious modelling potential (HAHA); and Calle Crisologo convinced me, as have other similar things, that I was definitely born on the wrong era. But more than anything, the trip made me realize how absorbed I've been lately by everything else so much so that I've actually forgotten that a huge part of my childhood was spent around nature, and how much that younger version of myself actually loved it. But I remember it now, and I don't think I shall ever forget it again. And, well, I don't mean to.

Neuroscience

Sometime last year, I wrote this:

How much more of itself can my brain found out? Do I sleep or do I go where others before me have and fight on? Or does my circumstance raise the act of sleeping to a much higher regard? Do I sleep now to prepare myself for an even greater battle a few hours from now...

Every second I spend writing this is a moment of sleep sacrificed. But is it worth it? Probably. Perhaps I do this to maintain that I'm still fine, still nothing short of being sane.

And with that, I say goodbye. Good night.

We were on our Neuroscience module, and I had just decided to stop studying anatomy because, you know, I was never particularly fond of the subject. Today, I ask myself the same things, because it is again the Neuroscience module, where names are dropped anywhere and everywhere and before you even know it, they suddenly become representations of a variety of clinical manifestations pertaining to different diseases.

It's hard but hey, I chose this.

Good way to start the month of February, eh? Hahaha!

Exploring the North Part 1

January 2015 marked the first time Jesuit (yes, emphasis because I absolutely adore the Jesuits!) Pope Francis graced the Philippines with his presence. And though the best thing would have been to go all the way to Quirino to brave the rain, the heavy traffic, and the undoubtedly huge crowd, I instead went on a trip to Ilocos along with 11 other people I'm glad to call my friends. It was a stark contrast to the five-day weekend I would have otherwise had if I stayed -- far from being holy, to say the least -- but I can't say that I didn't enjoy every bit of it because as a matter of fact, I very much did.

Med Groove Med Rhythmia 2014: Once Upon a Time

Before anything else, let's get this out there: I am, much to my dismay, not and nor will I ever be a dancer. If I, even in the slightest bit, am a singer, then I regret to say that my schedule this year has prevented me from doing that which I may still love doing. So, my involvement in MGMR really just revolved around production work. This is not to say that it was any less important because believe you me, prod work is no walk in the park!

MGMR had me doing something that I haven't been able to do in a long time -- makeup. See, I only ever put on makeup on special occasions and/or when I feel like it, and those two have been really hard to come by ever since med school started. Suffice it to say, I enjoyed having to do it for a dance competition so much so that it's clear to me now just how much I really missed it. Even if I only got to play around white, brown, and black!

Inflamed 2014 (Med students be wet and wild!)

It took me long enough to realize exactly how much I actually missed pure, unadulterated fun. See, for the longest time, whenever I thought of school breaks, I automatically visualized makeup, night outs, and a bit of alcohol. (Disclaimer: I am no cool girl.) I've never been much of a sporty girl which means, among other things, that unlike some of my classmates, my weekend agenda doesn't normally include Frisbee or football trainings. Also, if I ever were into outdoor activities, then I regret to say that I've neglected that part of me for so long now and I can't even remember the last time I did anything remotely outdoorsy. All that said, Inflamed was a welcome breath of fresh air. Sure, I had an exam to study for but for the most part, I regret nothing. I got to unwind, bond with friends, and become witness to how lovely the ASMPH community truly is.

One Big Frat: The ASMPH Sem Ender Party (Plus a snippet of One Big Fright)

Okay, after finishing an entire sem of YL6, I can finally attest to the truth behind what everyone has been saying from the beginning — YL6 really is zombie year. It’s been a wonderful crazy kind of ride — from the manic exam Mondays to the incredibly exhausting transes! — and it was only fitting that it ended in the way that it did.

Goodbye (hopefully forever!) first semester!

In betweens

School’s taking up pretty much all my time, and in the rare times that it doesn’t, I take it as a golden opportunity to get some sleep. 'Tis my life now.

So here’s a second attempt at a feelings roundup because you know, it’s all the blogging I can afford right now. Hehe

1. It’s been a week since the medical board exams finished and it feels really weird not seeing any board takers in school. It’s funny ‘cause if this were a year ago, I wouldn’t have noticed any difference.
2. In light of the boards, the PRC, being what it is, finally released the results. Imagine my joy (and relief) at having seen the names of both my cousin and the board taker friend I was assigned to wake up every morning since April so he could study. Suffice it to say, I am very proud of Batch 2014. Yes, I talk as if I knew them all personally. But that’s the ASMPH for you. #invested #NoAteneanLeftBehind
3. Back to reality; school monopolizes my time and weekends no longer equate to rest. I clearly need a change of scenery but in the mean time, I settle with the joys that little things come with. Hello, pretty pool, sunset, and 5pm breeze! ♥

So that’s it for now. Hopefully next time, I’d have something more substantial to talk about. :)

Summer says fare thee well

In the Ateneo LS campus, there's a beautiful tree between the college chapel and Berchmans Hall. I first heard about it in first year from my Filipino 11 professor; he said that on any other day, it looks nothing special, but come summertime, it stands out unfailingly as it starts to blossom and the leaves are overpowered by the blooms. Since then, in the years that LS served as my second home, I have passed by it maybe a dozen times or more. Everyone calls it the fire tree, although admittedly, I still have no idea what it really is. Dear botanist/biologist friends, please help me out!

My point: there's a good chance that the one in LS and the ones in front of the ASMPH building are of the same kind. And if that were true, then the fact that the greens are slowly starting to outnumber the reds again, and that the thunderstorms are getting crazier and crazier each day can only mean that summer truly is over.

So there. Hello, YL6. While you have yet to overwhelm me, I welcome you with open arms. Here's hoping you'll be wonderful.